New ACIP Adult Immunization Schedule recommends changes to herpes zoster, pneumococcal, hepatitis B vaccines
The guidelines from the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also include information on COVID-19 vaccines, stressing that it is safe to co-administer them with other vaccines.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released its 2022 Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule, including changes to the herpes zoster, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccine recommendations and information on COVID-19 vaccines. The ACIP schedule notes that COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered with other vaccines and that this is particularly important since many adults have fallen behind on routine vaccinations due to the pandemic.
The herpes zoster vaccine is recommended for persons ages 19 years and older who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed because of disease or therapy, the schedule said. The pneumococcal vaccine recommendation has been simplified and includes guidance on how to use the new PCV15 and PCV20 vaccines. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults ages 19 through 59 years, with vaccination based on risk for adults ages 60 years and older.
The new schedule was simultaneously published in Annals of Internal Medicine and MMWR on Feb. 18. Videos by Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, MD, MACP, explaining ACIP's process, how to use the schedule, and changes to specific vaccines, including the flu shot, are available on ACP's website.