As we prepare for the National Immunization Awareness Month 2024 and upcoming autumn season, we will be conducting a thorough review of the United States Immunization Schedules for both Adults and Children. These crucial recommendations are released annually by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They offer essential guidance on the recommended schedules for vaccines and other immunizing agents, detailing information such as age requirements, intervals between doses, frequency of administration, and appropriate dosages.
In this discussion, we will explore the key takeaways and insights surrounding the immunization recommendations. Please note that this list does not encompass all major points. For a complete list of recommendations, we highly recommend accessing the complete adult schedule located here, as well as the child and adolescent version located here. Now, let’s jump on in!
2024 US Adult Immunization Schedule – Key Takeaways:
Mpox Vaccine
- The inclusion of the two-dose mpox (Jynneos) vaccine in the 2024 adult vaccination schedule marks a significant change for adults aged 18 and older with specific risk factors. This vaccine, administered in two shots 28 days apart, provides protection against mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), a rare viral infection that can lead to severe illness, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.
Meningococcal Groups A, B, C, W, Y Pentavalent Vaccine
- Furthermore, the updated schedule now incorporates guidance on Pfizer’s new pentavalent meningococcal vaccine, Penbraya. This vaccine targets five bacterial strains responsible for meningitis and sepsis, streamlining the vaccination process by replacing the need for separate MenACWY and MenB vaccines. Penbraya offers a convenient option for individuals eligible for both MenACWY and MenB vaccinations during the same visit.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccines
- Noteworthy updates have also been made to the RSV vaccine, addressing the threat posed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to infants and older adults. The revised schedule now includes routine seasonal RSV vaccination (September-January) for pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks gestation, emphasizing the importance of maternal and infant immunization in preventing RSV lower respiratory tract infections.
- Individuals over the age of 60 are advised to consult their healthcare providers regarding the necessity of the one-dose RSV shot (Abrysvo or Arexvy) for added protection.
COVID-19 Vaccine
- In response to evolving COVID-19 variants, the bivalent mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine has been replaced in the 2024 schedule by an updated formula targeting the Omicron XBB.15 variant. Similar to the flu, changes in circulating COVID-19 strains necessitate regular updates to ensure vaccine efficacy against current variants prevalent in the community.
- Individuals who have previously received a COVID-19 vaccine are recommended to receive a single dose of the updated version eight weeks after their last dose to maintain protection against emerging variants.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
- Clarified that additional doses are not recommended for those who have completed the HPV vaccination series with any valency using the recommended dosing intervals123.
Influenza Vaccine
- Updated recommendations for the 2023-24 influenza season.
Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV)
- New recommendations for adults who are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
- Updated recommendations for the use of PCV15, PCV20, and PPSV23.
2024 US Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule – Key Takeaways:
Mpox Vaccine
- The inclusion of the two-dose mpox (Jynneos) vaccine in 2024 for adolescents aged 18 years.
Meningococcal Groups A, B, C, W, Y Pentavalent Vaccine
- Pfizer’s new vaccine, Penbraya, received FDA approval in October. This innovative vaccine provides protection against the five most prevalent strains of meningococcal disease that impact adolescents and young adults worldwide. In 2024, Penbraya will be included in vaccination schedules for certain children and adolescents. Healthcare professionals are now encouraged to consider Penbraya as an alternative for patients aged 10 and older who would typically receive the two existing meningitis vaccines that collectively target the same five strains. Penbraya is administered in two doses, spaced six months apart.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccines
- The RSV vaccine is now recommended for infants up to eight months old if their mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy. The monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, also known by its brand name Beyfortus, was approved by the FDA in July 2023. Recent studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations among children.
COVID-19 Vaccine
- It is recommended that all children aged 6 months and older receive a dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine in 2024. The latest shot is designed to target the Omicron variant XBB.15, replacing the bivalent mRNA booster that was previously recommended on the vaccination schedule.
HPV Vaccine
- It has been clarified that additional doses of the HPV vaccine are not recommended for those who have completed the vaccination series with any valency and have followed the recommended dosing intervals.
Influenza Vaccine
- Updated recommendations for the 2023-24 influenza season.
- Removed special considerations for persons with a history of egg allergy.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
- Revised Guidelines for the Administration of PCV15, PCV20, and PPSV23 Vaccines and deleted PCV13.
MMR Vaccine
- Clarified the minimum interval between doses when administering MMRV for routine, catch-up vaccination, or in special circumstances.
Thank you for joining us for our Guidelines Spotlight on Immunization Schedules. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us. We look forward to bringing you our next spotlight soon!
Sign up for alerts and stay informed on the latest published guidelines and articles.
Copyright © 2024 Guideline Central, all rights reserved.