Box 1.

Indian guidelines on pneumococcal vaccination with PCV13 and PPSV23

The Indian guidelines are different from the ACIP guidelines, in terms of recommendation regarding vaccination with PCV13 vaccine. The ACIP guidelines are based on the fact that in the United States, PCV13 is being administered to all children since the year 2010, and therefore, there is herd immunity, which prevents adults from being affected by the 13 serotypes covered in PCV13

In India, pneumococcal vaccination in the pediatric immunization schedule has only been incorporated recently. Thus, the concept of herd immunity is not applicable. Hence, in the current guidelines, for individuals aged 19-64 years and with health conditions as stated above, we recommend vaccination with PCV13 followed by PPSV23

ACIP: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices