People are getting their flu vaccines and some of them are getting their Covid 19 vaccines as well.  Here are a couple of new developments:

-Pertussis is on the rise but is still quite uncommon.  Reduced childhood vaccinations are a factor in this.

-The ACIP has lowered the recommendation for pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine from age 65 to 50.

-The ACIP recommends that immunocompromised adults and those 65 and over have another Covid 19 vaccine 6 months after their fall vaccination.

Here is some additional information.

US Facing Largest Pertussis Outbreak In One Decade

Bloomberg (9/30, Suvarna, Subscription Publication) reports, “The US is in the midst of the biggest pertussis outbreak in a decade, with 15,661 cases and two deaths reported this year through the middle of September.” The surge in cases “may be more than just a return to pre-Covid levels, according to researchers and public health officials.” Low vaccination “rates, vaccines that are less effective than previous versions and genetic changes in the bacteria may be threatening the herd immunity that protected the vulnerable for decades.” A drop in herd immunity “is putting everyone at risk.” According to Bloomberg, “the shorter protection period means even those who have been vaccinated may have a false sense of security.”

TDAP VACCINE INCLUDES TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA AND PERTUSSIS.  WHILE TETANUS IS GOOD FOR 10 YEARS, PERTUSSIS IMMUNITY WAXES AFTER 5 YEARS.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Mandy Cohen has endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendations for people aged ≥65 years and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 6 months after their first dose, as well as lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years.

The CDC noted that the updated COVID-19 vaccination recommendation also offers the flexibility of administering additional doses (≥3 doses) to those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, in consultation with their healthcare provider.

The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults and those who are immunocompromised, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness and year-round circulation of COVID-19. The recommendation also provides clarity to healthcare providers on how many doses should be given per year to people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and is meant to increase coverage of this second dose for that group.

“Data continue to confirm the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19,” the CDC remarked. “Receiving recommended 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.”

The CDC and ACIP will continue to monitor COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness. The CDC continues to recommend that everyone stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, especially people aged ≥65 years and those with weakened immune systems.

On the other hand, the CDC noted that the recommendation of lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination gives more adults the opportunity to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at the age when the risk of infection substantially increases.

“Adults 50 years or older should talk with a healthcare provider to make sure they’re up to date with pneumococcal vaccination,” the agency advised. “Now is a great time to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease in preparation for the winter respiratory season.”