CDC Approves Updated Adult Immunization Schedule – What You Need to Know
In late 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to approve the Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for Ages 19 Years or Older for the U.S. beginning in 2020. The CDC vaccine schedule summarizes the recommendations of each vaccine and has been approved by the director of the CDC as well as by the American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and American College of Nurse-Midwives.
For long-term post-acute care (LTPAC) facilities, unvaccinated residents pose a great risk to the rest of the facility population in terms of potential illness as well as increased cost associated with negative resident outcomes. The immunization schedule is used to provide guidance on the new guidelines with the intention of helping residents obtain the appropriate vaccinations—and thus decreasing risk and promoting safety of all residents.
The recommended adult immunization schedule by age group and recommended adult immunization schedule by medical condition and other indications are shown below, and are available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html along with accompanying notes. It is recommended that vaccines be administered if vaccination history is incomplete or unknown. Additionally, it is recommended not to restart or add doses to vaccine series if there are extended intervals between doses.
Changes in the Adult Immunization Schedule for 2020 include the influenza vaccination. Routine annual influenza vaccination (there is no preference for one licensed/recommended influenza vaccine product over another) for those without contraindications ages six months or older for the flu season 2019-2020 is recommended.
It’s important to note that persons with cochlear implant are among the exceptions as not an option for the LAIV (influenza vaccine, live attenuated) as well as the PCV13 (Pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine) along with immunocompromising conditions, HIV and more. Detailed guidance is provided in the notes for each of the recommended adult immunizations.
The CDC site provides a variety of useful links for information such as schedule changes and guidance, resources for health care providers (e.g., vaccine administration, vaccine safety, vaccine storage and handling), the CDC vaccine schedules app, delays in vaccine supply, and vaccine education and training, including a link to vaccines needed for health care workers.
Contact Richter Healthcare Consultants:
Do you have questions about the CDC immunization schedule, or other LTPAC clinical consulting service challenges? Call Richter’s clinical consulting team at 866-806-0799 to schedule a free consultation.
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Celeste Rininger, RN, RAC-CT, is a Clinical Consultant at Richter