Updated CDC Vaccine Recommendations: What You Need to Know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently convened to discuss and vote on recommendations for several key vaccines. These recommendations, once adopted by the CDC Director, become official U.S. Public health guidance and are published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Here’s a breakdown of the latest updates as of the June 26-28, 2024 meeting.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccines – Adults
ACIP unanimously recommended (11-0) that adults aged 75 and older receive a single dose of an RSV vaccine. A unanimous vote (11-0) too recommended that adults aged 60 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease receive a single dose of RSV vaccine. This includes individuals with chronic medical conditions like lung or heart disease, or those residing in nursing homes. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, RSV was estimated to cause approximately 60,000–160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000–10,000 deaths annually among adults 65 years and older in the U.S. CDC
Vaxelis for American Indian and Alaska Native Infants
ACIP unanimously (11-0) recommended including the DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB vaccine (Vaxelis) alongside PRP-OMP (PedvaxHIB) in the preferential recommendation for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) infants, based on the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) component. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) resolution for Vaxelis was also approved. Immunize.org
COVID-19 Vaccine
ACIP unanimously (11-0) recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older receive the updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, as authorized or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Data continues to demonstrate the importance of vaccination in protecting against COVID-19. The updated vaccine is expected to be available in fall 2024, aiming to provide the best protection against currently circulating strains. CDC
Influenza Vaccines
ACIP unanimously (11-0) recommended routine influenza vaccination for all individuals 6 months and older. For solid organ transplant recipients aged 18-64 who are taking immunosuppressive medications, high-dose (HD-IIV3) and adjuvanted (aIIV3) inactivated influenza vaccines are acceptable options, without a preference over other age-appropriate inactivated or recombinant influenza vaccines. The updated 2024-2025 flu vaccines will all be trivalent, protecting against an H1N1, H3N2, and a B/Victoria lineage virus. CDC
Pneumococcal Vaccines
ACIP unanimously (11-0) recommended PCV21 as an option for adults aged 19 years and older who currently have a recommendation to receive a dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). PCV21 covers 81% of the pneumococcal serotypes commonly found in adults, providing healthcare providers with another tool to protect patients from pneumococcal infections. CDC
Meningococcal Vaccines
ACIP is revisiting the adolescent meningococcal vaccine schedule to optimize protection for higher-risk ages, considering recent epidemiology, duration of vaccine-induced protection, and the availability of GSK’s new pentavalent (ABCWY) vaccine. Further discussion will continue at the October 2024 ACIP meeting. Immunize.org
RSV Vaccines – Maternal/Pediatric
The CDC continues to recommend RSV immunizations to protect all babies from severe RSV. Real-world data on vaccine safety and effectiveness were discussed, following the launch of a maternal vaccine and a long-acting monoclonal antibody to protect infants during the 2023-2024 season. Nirsevimab, the monoclonal antibody for infants, has proven effective against RSV-associated emergency department visits and hospitalizations. CDC
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines
ACIP discussed launching a new work group on HPV, with its first meeting scheduled for July 2024. This workgroup will review the current number of recommended doses, the language surrounding the age for routine vaccination, and sub-group guidance on shared clinical decision-making for individuals aged 27 to 45. CDC