What’s New in Adult Vaccines 2022

There’s been a lot of talk about the two new pneumococcal vaccines that hit the 2022 schedule—as well as the simplified recommendations for these products—but there are a few other important changes to 2022’s vaccination schedule worth discussing. 

Updated Recommendations for Recombinant Zoster Vaccine

ACIP voted to recommend two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix: GlaxoSmithKline/GSK) for adults age 19 and older who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed due to disease or therapy. For immunocompetent adults, Shingrix is intended to be administered in two doses, two to six months apart. However, for adults who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed due to known disease or therapy and who would benefit from a shorter vaccination schedule, the second dose can be administered one to two months after the first dose.

Updated Recommendations for Hepatitis B Vaccine

ACIP now recommends that the hepatitis B vaccine be given to all adults through age 59 and adults age 60 and older with any risk factors for HBV infection, following the celebrated vote on this matter in November of 2021. This update serves as a natural extension of the existing routine childhood recommendations and helps to address the 20,700 acute hepatitis B infections in the U.S. every year. It’s also in keeping with the goal of the CDC’s Division of Viral Hepatitis to reduce HBV infections by 90% and HBV-related deaths by 65% by 2030.

There’s lots more to know in another busy year of vaccines. Our Vaccine Roadmap 2022 has this and other important information to keep you informed and your patients protected. See below to download your copy.