ACIP revises adult immunization schedule for 2011

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) announces several changes to the recommended adult immunization schedule for 2011. They include:

• Influenza vaccination is recommended annually for all persons aged 6 months and older, including all adults. The high-dose influenza vaccine (Fluzone, Sanofi Pasteur) is included as an option for adults aged 65 years and older.
• A permissive recommendation for the use of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in adults aged 65 years and older includes the recommendation that Tdap be administered regardless of how much time has elapsed since an individual’s most recent tetanus and diphtheria toxoids-containing vaccine.
• Approval was granted for a 2-dose series of meningococcal vaccine in adults with certain high-risk medical conditions, including anatomic or functional asplenia or persistent complement component deficiencies, human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus infection. A single dose of this vaccine is still recommended for those with other indications. In addition, language has been added to clarify that quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine is a quadrivalent vaccine.
• Clarification of the language in the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine was revised to consolidate common language previously included in each of the 3 individual vaccine component sections.
• Language has been added to the footnote for human papillomavirus vaccination to indicate that either quadrivalent vaccine or bivalent vaccine is recommended for females.
• One-time re-vaccination with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine after 5 years applies only to persons aged 19 to 64 years with chronic renal failure or nephritic syndrome; functional or anatomic asplenia; and immunocompromised individuals.
• Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine may be used as 1 dose for persons who have sickle cell disease, leukemia, or HIV infection, or who have had a splenectomy, if they have not previously received this vaccine.
• Footnotes now include a statement clarifying that a vaccine series does not need to be restarted, regardless of time that has elapsed between doses.