Healthcare Leader: Important Updates: Additional COVID-19 Dose for 65+, New Vaccine Learning Series, Pneumococcal Q&A

March 27, 2024

Older Adults Now Able to Receive Additional Dose of Updated COVID-19 Vaccine

The CDC has approved a crucial recommendation: Individuals aged 65 and above should now receive an extra dose of the latest (2023-2024 Formula) COVID-19 Vaccine at least four months after their previous dose. Delve into the clinical considerations for more details.

Explore the latest addition to the WAVE immunization microsite – the Vaccine Voices Audio Learning series!

There will be six episodes exploring the impact of motivational interviewing on vaccine acceptance. Tune in to Case 1, where a director of nursing converses with a staff member about updated COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 Hospitalizations Down, Deaths Unchanged, and Long-term Care Cases Remain Above Baseline

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Who's Considered Up To Date?

Pneumococcal Vaccine Q&A: Adults 65+

Q: What are the recommended pneumococcal vaccines for adults aged 65 and older?

A: The CDC recommends routine administration of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20) for adults aged 65 and older who have never received any pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or whose vaccination history is unknown. PCV15 should be followed by a dose of PPSV23 one year later. However, if PCV20 is used, a dose of PPSV23 is not indicated.

Q: Are there any special considerations for adults with certain medical conditions?

A: Yes, adults aged 65 and older with specific medical conditions such as immunocompromising conditions, cochlear implants, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks may need special consideration regarding pneumococcal vaccination. If PCV15 is used, they may receive a dose of PPSV23 one year later with a minimum interval of 8 weeks. However, if PCV20 is used, additional doses of PPSV23 are not recommended.

Download the CDC's PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor Mobile App to easily determine which pneumococcal vaccines a patient needs and when. Providers can also use the web version!

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Join our IP3 group for a lively discussion with other infection preventionists to share new infection prevention ideas and discover new strategies.

This group is hosted by Melanie Ronda, MSN, RN, and Mary Ellen Casey, MSN, RN every Thursday at 11 am ET.

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This material was prepared by the IPRO QIN-QIO, a Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Views expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of CMS or HHS, and any reference to a specific product or entity herein does not constitute endorsement of that product or entity by CMS or HHS. 12SOW-IPRO-QIN-T1-AA-21-435