Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendation Updates from CDC

Initial vaccination: 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23) should be given to the following:

•everyone at age 65 years
•those 19-64 yo with immunosuppressive or chronic conditions (including asthma or other chronic lung disease, diabetes, alcoholism, liver disease; excluding hypertension)

•cigarette smokers aged 19-64 yo (along with smoking cessation guidance)

Routine PPSV23 use is no longer recommended for Alaskan Natives or Native Americans younger than 65 years old, unless they have medical indications for the vaccine.

Revaccination: The following should receive a second dose of PPSV23:
•those who received PPSV23 before age 65 years (for any reason) should receive a second dose at age 65 or older (if more than 5 years have passed since the previous dose)


•those 19-64 yo with immunosuppressive or chronic conditions (including asthma or other chronic lung disease, diabetes, alcoholism, liver disease; excluding hypertension)

Multiple PPSV23 revaccinations are not recommended, due to insufficient data regarding clinical benefit, degree and duration of protection, as well as safety.


1 MMWR July 29, 2010 / 59(Early Release);1-62
2 MMWR September 3, 2010 / 59(34);1102-1106