Pneumonia Vaccine Uptake Remains Low Among US Adults

Despite updated recommendations, less than 1 in 7 adults have received the vaccine.

Despite updated guidelines in 2022, new research reveals that pneumococcal vaccine uptake remains worryingly low among eligible adults in the United States, signaling a critical public health challenge.

Key Findings on Vaccine Uptake

According to a study in AJPM Focus, less than 14% of US adults received a pneumococcal vaccine 21 months after updated recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) were issued. Researchers, including those from **Avalere Health** and **Pfizer**, analyzed data from the Optum de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database spanning January 2015 to October 2023.

The study involved 6.8 million adults, with approximately 86% aged 65 or older. Only 38% had received a pneumococcal vaccination before January 2022. PCV20 vaccine uptake was highest among adults aged 65 to 66 years but notably low among at-risk adults aged 19 to 49.

Experts Urge Better Strategies

The study authors emphasized the need to improve vaccine uptake. “Observed low levels of pneumococcal vaccine uptake among eligible US adults persist despite major US public health goals focusing on increasing their use,” they wrote. They added that this is especially critical considering the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

In fact, a recent CDC report shows that as of 2024, approximately 5% of adults 65 and older have never received a pneumonia vaccine (CDC).

Vaccine Recommendations

In 2022, the ACIP updated its pneumococcal vaccine guidelines. Adults aged 65 years and older who have not previously received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) should receive a single dose of either the 20-valent PCV (PCV20) or the 15-valent PCV (PCV15) vaccines. If PCV15 is administered, it should be followed by a single dose of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).

Addressing the Resurgence

The authors concluded that while pneumococcal disease decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has since resurged. They suggest that improved strategies are needed, such as educational campaigns, improved vaccine access and affordability, stronger provider recommendations, and integrating vaccination with other preventive services.