For those patients 65 and older it is now recommended to add Prevnar13. The ACIP voted to now use 2 different vaccines to prevent Pneumonia in adults. Prevnar13 (PCV13) and Pneumovax23 (PPSV23) immunizations are now working together for better disease prevention. Adhering to expert recommendations is our best defense against not only pneumonia and other vaccine preventable disease but particularly important when facing a growing list of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
http://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/advisory_committee_on_immunization_practices_votes_to_recommend_pfizer_s_prevnar_13_vaccine_in_adults_aged_65_years_and_older
Listen to the audio on the ACIP’s August 13th meeting:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/live-mtg-2014-08.html