ACIP releases updated vaccination schedule with several changes
Updated recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) affect vaccinations for influenza and human papillomavirus, among others.
Flu vaccination is recommended for anyone older than six months of age and recommendations on catchup vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV) are now consistent between men and women in the latest schedule released by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The ACIP is a committee made up of medical and public health experts who provide advice and guidance to the CDC regarding use of vaccines in the United States.
The 2020 adult immunization schedule summarizes ACIP recommendations, and the full recommendations are available as well. The 2020 schedule, which was also published Feb. 4 by Annals of Internal Medicine, has been approved by the CDC, as well as ACP and three other medical societies.
“ACIP recommendations can be complex and challenging to implement,” the report stated. “The purpose of the schedule, published annually, is to consolidate and summarize updates to ACIP recommendations on vaccination of adults and assist providers in implementing current ACIP recommendations.”
The ACIP recommendations include the following:
- For the 2019 to 2020 flu season, routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all patients ages six months and older who do not have contraindications. No one influenza vaccine product is recommended over another.
- All patients with HIV who are 1 year of age or older should be routinely vaccinated for hepatitis A. The list of other populations at risk for hepatitis A infection or severe hepatitis A disease has not changed significantly, but those with clotting factor disorders are no longer included. The definition of chronic liver disease has been expanded and now includes, but is not limited to, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, and an alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase level greater than twice the upper limit of normal.
- ACIP recommends catchup HPV vaccination for all adults through age 26 years, regardless of sex. Previously, catchup vaccination was recommended through age 26 years for women and 21 years for men. ACIP also recommends the HPV vaccine for certain patients ages 27 through 45 years who have not been adequately vaccinated.
- Pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13) can be given based on shared clinical decision-making for adults ages 65 years or older who do not have an immunocompromising condition, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or cochlear implant and who have not previously received PCV13. All adults ages 65 years or older should receive a dose of pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).
- Vaccination may be considered for patients with HIV without evidence of varicella immunity who have CD4 counts of at least 200 cells/μL.