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ACIP: Additional data needed for PCV13 use in older adults
A recommendation for use of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in adults aged 65 years and older remains unresolved, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Working Group suggest additional data are needed.
“Critical data are not currently available and what are available are insufficient,” Tamara Pilishvili, MD, of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said during the meeting.
The Pneumococcal Work Group will continue evaluating data, according to Pilishvili, and within the next month will publish data in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report that will outline the rationale for waiting on a recommendation in adults. Data from ongoing trials are expected in 2013.
Also at issue was the use of the vaccine in immunocompromised adults aged 18 and older. Kathleen Dooling, MD, MPH, of the CDC, presented data backing considerations for PCV13 (Prevnar 13, Wyeth) in this subset of patients.
“No decision was made at this time for use of PCV13 in adults,” William Schaffner, MD, Working Group member and Infectious Disease News Editorial Board member, said in an interview. “The area of greatest interest, at the moment, that is closest to having a recommendation is in immunocompromised adults, and perhaps by extension adolescents. It looks like this will happen in June.”
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