Expert panel updates adult immunization schedule
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends several important changes to the adult immunization schedule.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends several important changes to the adult immunization schedule.
HPV. ACIP recommends bivalent HPV vaccine (HPV2), which has been licensed for use in women. Either HPV2 or HPV4 can be used for vaccination of women aged 19 through 26 years to protect against the two strains of HPV associated with 70% of cervical cancer cases. ACIP also includes a permissive recommendation for HPV vaccine in men, as the quadrivalent vaccine has been demonstrated to reduce HPV-associated genital warts.
Influenza. ACIP added the term “seasonal” to differentiate current recommendations from those for pandemic flu such as H1N1.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR). Language was revised to clarify that adults born during or after 1957 do not need one or more doses of MMR for the measles and mumps components. Interval dosing information has been added to indicate that a second dose of MMR should be administered four weeks after the first dose. Also, women who do not have documentation of rubella vaccination should receive a dose of MMR. A section has been added to highlight recommendations for vaccinating health care personnel born before 1957 routinely and during outbreaks.
Hepatitis A. Vaccination is now recommended for those providing care for an international adoptee.
Meningococcal. Revisions clarify that the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is preferred for adults aged 55 years or younger and that the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) is preferred for adults aged 56 years or older. Revaccination with MCV4 is recommended for adults previously vaccinated with MCV4 or MPSV4 and a new example of who is at increased risk is provided. Information has been added on who does not need to be revaccinated.
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). There is no recommendation for persons older than five years.
ACIP annually reviews the schedule to ensure it reflects the most current scientific knowledge of vaccines and vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccines have been demonstrated to be among the most effective strategies for preventing illness in individuals as well as for protecting the health of the public, and their use cannot be overemphasized.
The schedule was approved by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Physicians.