At 68 with COPD, should my father receive PCV20 or PPSV23?

Question

Hello doctor,

My father is 68 years old and has COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) with frequent chest infections. His doctor advised getting the pneumococcal vaccine, but he already received one dose five years ago.

Does he need a booster, and if so, should it be PCV20 or PPSV23?
Can both flu and pneumococcal vaccines be given in the same visit safely?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I am genuinely worried about your concerns.

Does he require a pneumococcal booster?

It depends on the vaccine he received five years ago:

If he had been given PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine) five years ago at the age of 68, he should now receive a dose of PCV20 (Prevnar 20, a 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) or PCV15 (Vaxneuvance, a 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine). If PCV20 is already administered, no additional doses are necessary. If PCV15 is administered, a single dose of PPSV23 is advised one year later.

If he received PCV13 (Prevnar 13, 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) five years ago, then he should get one dose of PPSV23 (if it has not been done already), at least one year after PCV13.

If he has already received both PCV13 and PPSV23 (with appropriate spacing). No booster is needed at this time, unless new guidelines are issued.

Currently, for the management plan of most older adults, the favored single option is PCV20, as it encompasses all major strains and eliminates the need for a follow-up shot. Additionally, both the flu and pneumococcal vaccines can be administered during the same appointment, provided they are given at different injection sites.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.