ACIP Releases Updates On Vaccine Recommendations, 2024 Adult Immunization Schedule

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has published the 2024 recommended adult immunization schedule that includes the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, the mpox vaccine, an updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine, and a new MenACWY-MenB combination vaccine. The updates were published in Annals of Internal Medicine and in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.¹

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Released each year, the schedule provides summarized updates of the ACIP recommendations for adult vaccinations and helps health care officials when counseling patients on certain immunizations.¹ The study authors noted that the 2024 Schedule is impactful because many adults are not up to date on recommended vaccines. The schedule serves as a reference document for health care providers that need to increase vaccination rates.¹

According to the press release, just 40.8% of adults have received an influenza vaccine, 17.2% received the new COVID-19 vaccine, and only 15.9% received the RSV vaccines.¹

Authors from City University of New York attributed the lack of immunizations to misinformation, distrust of public health, and the idea of medical freedom of choice. The authors believe that recommended communication tools published in the schedule could increase vaccination status.¹

The study authors noted that the ACIP Schedule is divided into 5 sections for easy access. The sections include vaccination age recommendations, vaccination recommendations based on medical conditions, vaccination types, dosing frequencies and intervals, and special situations. Further sections explain vaccine precautions and new or updated ACIP guidance.¹

A new addition to the Schedule included the RSV vaccine for adults. Highlighted in the “Routine Vaccination” section, researchers said Abrysvo (Pfizer) is the only recommended vaccine for pregnant women. However, the vaccine should only be administered at 32 through 36 weeks' gestation from September through January.^1,2 The Schedule also recommended either maternal or infant immunization with nirsevimab (Beyfortus; Sanofi) to counteract RSV lower respiratory tract infections in infants.²

Additional recommendations in the schedule for RSV included vaccination for individuals aged 60 years and older with Abrysvo (Pfizer) or Arexvy (GSK).²

The study authors noted that a comment was added directing health care providers to evaluate the individual’s risk for severe RSV when deciding if the patient would benefit from the immunization.² However, that decision can be based off shared decision-making between the provider and patient. Prior to deciding, the provider should alert the patient to any risks for severe RSV disease, risk of exposure, and should then discuss the patient’s preference in receiving the vaccination.¹

As for other recommendations, the schedule stated that all adults should receive as least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Intervals and dosing could vary depending on the individual’s vaccination history. All adults in any age group at increased risk of infection should receive 2 doses of the mpox vaccine, according to study authors. Lastly, suspected unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated adults should receive all 3 doses of the polio vaccine.¹

References

1. ACIP releases 2024 Adult Immunization Schedule featuring four new vaccines. EurekAlert!. News release. January 11, 2024. Accessed January 18, 2024. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1030318.
2. Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule, United States, 2024. Annals of Internal Medicine. News release. January 12, 2024. Accessed January 18, 2024. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M23-3269.