Pneumococcal

Researchers wanted to understand the distribution of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine serotypes and how they have potential to impact pneumococcal disease severity and burden.

Glucocorticoid use for severe community-acquired pneumonia has been controversial due to the safety profile of these drugs.

Researchers explored the efficacy of a targeted mailing campaign for improving pneumococcal vaccination coverage among adults 65 and over.

Investigators said that targeted education and interventions are key to the long term success of community pharmacy immunization programs.

IQVIA released a report detailing pharmacists’ authority to administer vaccines in the US as well as adults’ overall vaccination rates by state.

More detailed information can be found on the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

These recommendations were voted on at the October 2024 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting.

Researchers explored ideas of simplifying the vaccination process to yield higher rates of adult immunization, similar to that of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Researchers reviewed Medicaid policies to understand vaccine coverage and reimbursement rates among physicians and pharmacists.

The new recommendations suggest vaccination at age 50, rather than age 65.

Pharmacist education can positively impact patient counseling around vaccinations in older adults.

The vaccine, VAX-31, targets 20 serotypes in common with PCV20, as well as 11 additional serotypes.

The vaccine covers 8 serotypes not currently covered by any FDA-approved pneumococcal vaccines.