The Advisory committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued the 2013 adult immunization schedule, posted online this week in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Because current levels of vaccine uptake for adult vaccines are low, the recommendations stress the importance of providers routinely assessing patients’ vaccination histories and providing routinely recommended vaccines. A strong recommendation from physicians offering vaccination has been associated with increased uptake of vaccines. Physicians are also encouraged to implement reminder/recall systems and standing orders.
View figure of the Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule, or click here to download.
Changes in the 2013 vaccination schedule include the following:
PCV13. Updates have been added for the first time on the use of 13-valen pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the timing of administration of PCV13 relative to the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) in adults. PC13 is recommended for immunocompromised adults aged 19 and older. The schedule also clarifies which adults would need 1 or 2 doses of PPSV23 before age 65.
Tdap. Recommendations have been expanded to include routine administration of Tdap vaccination to adults age 65 and older as well as pregnant women. Pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks’ gestation to increase the likelihood of optimal protection for the woman, the fetus during pregnancy, and the first few months of the infant’s life.
Influenza. The guidelines continue to recommend influenza vaccination for patients 6 months and older. Mild allergy to eggs is no longer a contraindication for the influenza vaccination – but patients with this allergy should receive the inactivated vaccine.
Find a printable versions of the 2013 Adult Immunization Schedule and other information at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/adult-schedule.htm.
