What are the major changes in the ACIP recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination of children published by CDC on September 29, 2023?

Both PCV15 and PCV20 are now recommended as pneumococcal vaccination options for children age 6 weeks and older as well as for older children age 6 through 18 years with certain medical conditions or other risk factors for pneumococcal disease. ACIP no longer recommends PCV13 for children or adults; however, PCV13 may be given as previously recommended if it is the only PCV available and the recipient would otherwise go without vaccination. Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is recommended as an option for some children age 2 years and older who have certain underlying medical conditions and who have not had (or do not have the option of receiving) PCV20.

Details of the recommendations can be found in the ACIP recommendations at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/pdfs/mm7239a5-H.pdf (for PCV20) and www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/pdfs/mm7137a3-H.pdf (for PCV15). These recommendations are to be used in conjunction with CDC clinical considerations for the use of pneumococcal vaccines at: www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/hcp/vaccine-recommendations/index.html.

A summary of these recommendations can also be found at www.immunize.org/wp-content/uploads/catg.d/p2016.pdf. Immunize.org has developed standing orders for pneumococcal vaccination of children and teens at www.immunize.org/wp-content/uploads/catg.d/p3086.pdf.