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Pneumococcal Disease EU

CME

Pneumococcal Disease: Current Concepts for At-Risk Adults

Physicians: Maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Released: August 22, 2024

Expiration: August 21, 2025

CME/CE Information

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Pneumococcal Vaccines in Development

The development of pneumococcal vaccines remains ongoing. Even though we currently have safe and effective pneumococcal vaccines, it is important that we continue to advance their development and explore new options. V116 is a vaccine targeting many serotypes covered by PCV13 and PCV20, plus additional serotypes; it is currently in phase III trials. Other manufacturers are also working on new vaccines using distinct conjugation platforms.

Looking ahead, we anticipate more pneumococcal vaccines gaining approval, which holds promise for enhancing protection against pneumococcal infections.31

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Outlook on New Pneumococcal Vaccines

Here we see how these current and investigational vaccines vary regarding serotype coverage. This variation allows for potential customization of vaccine recommendations based on regional epidemiology and age demographics. For instance, certain vaccines may be preferred in specific countries depending on circulating serotypes.

As these vaccines progress toward approval, we will observe how recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination in Europe might evolve based on that.31

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Your colleague wants to know how V116, a pneumococcal vaccine in development, will differ from the recently approved 20-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV20). How do you respond? V116 is a:

Take-Home Points

The burden of pneumococcal disease is substantial, encompassing both invasive infections, which carry high mortality and morbidity rates, and noninvasive forms like pneumonia, which lead to hospitalizations and mortality.2 The introduction of conjugate vaccines has reduced antimicrobial resistance associated with pneumococcal strains. Protecting vulnerable populations, such as young children and adults aged 65 years or older, who are at heightened risk of pneumococcal disease, is crucial. In addition, younger adults and children with chronic medical conditions or immunocompromised states face increased risks, regardless of age.2

Older individuals with risk factors are particularly susceptible to pneumococcal disease, underscoring the importance of vaccination for this demographic.2 Historically, the schedule including PCV13 and PPSV23 has successfully decreased IPD rates in both children and adults.22 However, recent trends indicate a resurgence in invasive disease due to serotype evasion, highlighting the need to expand vaccine coverage to include additional serotypes. This has led to updated recommendations in many countries, advocating for the use of conjugate vaccines covering a broader spectrum, such as PCV20, in adults.19,30

Vaccine effectiveness relies on high vaccination rates. Unfortunately, vaccine coverage among European adults remains alarmingly low.8,28,29 Increasing pneumococcal vaccine uptake among adults is imperative, and healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in seizing vaccination opportunities that are often missed.8,28

The development of new vaccines offers promise in further reducing pneumococcal disease burden. Alignment with diverse national recommendations across Europe, which largely endorse pneumococcal vaccination for at-risk adults and the elderly, remains crucial for effective disease prevention strategies.10

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