by Tim Gieseke MD, CMD

Last September, the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) extended their recommendation for use of this vaccine from high risk groups (HIV, Asplenia, ESRD, and Immunocompromised hosts) to adults > 65.  This MMWR September report of these recommendations (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6337a4.htm) reviews efficacy and safety information on this updated conjugated polysaccharide vaccine originally developed for the pediatric population.  To date the vaccine appears to reduce invasive pneumococcal disease of susceptible serotypes by ~45%.  Several studies in the U.S. suggest better immune response then with the Pneumovax (23 valent) vaccine that has been in use since 1981.  The AICP recommends that Prevnar 13 be administer first and then Pneumovax be given 1 year later.  If Pneumovax has already been given, then Prevnar 13 should be given a year later.  Attached is the CMS payment announcement.

As you are aware, CMS requires SNFs to provide our residents with Flu and Pneumovax and to track their vaccination status.  I suspect that Prevnar 13 will fall into this category in the future.

Click here to view the CMS notice

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