COVID Vaccines Added to 2023 Child, Adult Immunization Schedules

COVID-19 vaccines have been added to the U.S. 2023 immunization schedules for adults and children, and while routine poliovirus vaccination in adults is not recommended, there are "special situations" where those at increased exposure risk may be indicated for an additional dose.

The updated recommendations were published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, as well as in the Annals of Internal Medicine (for adults) and Pediatrics (for children and adolescents).

Other notable changes include the addition of a new measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, a hepatitis B vaccine, a new pneumococcal vaccine for children and seniors, and guidance on use of the 20-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine in previously immunized adults.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted unanimously in October 2022 to endorse adding COVID vaccines to routine vaccination schedules for children and adults, though were careful to point out that this does not equate to a requirement for school attendance.

As for the polio vaccine in adults, guidelines now recommend that those at increased risk for the virus receive a lifetime booster even if they already had the three-dose polio vaccination series.

In an email to press, the American College of Physicians called the recommendations on the COVID and polio vaccines a "historical change."

Other important additions include the newly approved Priorix vaccine for children and adults to protect against MMR, and PreHevbrio, a three-dose vaccine for hepatitis B in adults.

For the 20-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine, recommendations were added for those over age 65 who previously received the PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines, in line with ACIP guidance in the fall.

PCV15 was also added for children and adolescents, with a note that the PCV13 and PCV15 can be used interchangeably in both healthy children and those at risk for invasive pneumococcal disease. Clarifications were also made about when a fourth dose would be indicated for children.

The 2023 schedules have been approved by the CDC, the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the American Academy of Physician Associates, the American Pharmacists Association (for the first time), the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

Detailed immunization schedules for children and adolescents and adults are available on the CDC website. A color-coded key indicates age requirements, risk factors, precautions, and when a vaccine is not recommended. A parent-friendly version has also been made available.

Further changes throughout the year, plus guidance and support for healthcare providers for each vaccine, can be found through respective vaccine-specific ACIP recommendations.

Comment