U.S. Pharmacist Vaccine Update

October 2020

PCV13 Vaccine Value Is for Pneumonia Requiring Hospitalization, Not Outpatient
The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine reduces severe pneumonia cases leading to hospitalization of adults but does not appear to have much effect on milder cases treated in the community. That’s according to a new Dutch study looking at community-acquired pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infections not requiring hospitalizations, as well as antibiotic usage. Here is more information.

Immunocompromised Patients Fare Well With Most Vaccinations, Including RZV
Patients immunocompromised by underlying disease or treatment are at increased risk of infections, but pharmacists might be unsure whether it is safe for them to receive many recommended vaccinations. Find out why new research suggests that vaccination against human papillomavirus, hepatitis B, or herpes zoster shouldn’t be a problem in many cases.

Some Born Before 1957 Need to Be Vaccinated Against Measles
While the assumption is that most older adults born before 1957 had measles as children and therefore are immune without vaccination, that is not always the case. The point was brought home by a situation in a 72-year-old patient in Florida last year. The case study underscores the importance of the recommendation that any adults without documentation of measles immunity receive two MMR doses before international travel, according to public-health officials. Here are more details.

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