In the context of the COVID-19 epidemic in France, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) has not identified any argument making it possible to recommend vaccination against pneumococcus. It considers that there is no reason to start the catch-up of pneumococcal vaccination for people at risk of pneumococcal infections aged over 2 years and that it can be delayed until the lifting of containment measures.
Only the mandatory vaccination of infants under 2 years of age with the 13-valent conjugate vaccine (VPC 13, PREVENAR 13) should be maintained.
Given the shortage of PNEUMOVAX vaccine observed since March 17, 2020 and the quota for this specialty, the HAS recalls the priority populations identified in the event that the shortage lasts beyond confinement measures, namely children at high risk of pneumococcal infections who, after vaccination with the VPC13 vaccine, must receive a dose of VPP23 vaccine at the age of 2 years) and populations at high risk of pneumococcal infections not previously vaccinated and whose disease or comorbidity justifying the vaccination has been newly diagnosed.
Apart from this exceptional context, the French National Authority for Health emphasizes the importance of pneumococcal vaccination for people aged 2 years and older who are at risk of pneumococcal infections and who are currently insufficiently vaccinated. The HAS insists on the recommended vaccination schedule for these people comprising a sequence of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (VPC 13, PREVENAR 13) and 23-valent unconjugated pneumococcal vaccine (VPP-23, PNEUMOVAX).
This notice is subject to change depending on the evolution of the data published on COVID-19.
- Recommendation
- Europe
- France
- Pneumococcal disease
