Identifying Missed Opportunities for the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13).

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) recommendation for adults 65+ is recent.
• Complex dosing schedules for PCV13 and PPSV23 exist for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess PCV13 immunization rates in adults 65 and older.
• Identify barriers to PCV13 uptake and missed vaccination opportunities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of outpatient Veterans aged 65+.
• Examined patients eligible for PCV13 who did not receive it despite electronic reminders.
• Recorded documented reasons for vaccine non-administration.

Main Results:

• PCV13 immunization rate during the study period was 37%.
• The primary barrier was the vaccine not being offered (92% of unvaccinated patients).
• Many patients received PCV13 later, often concurrently with the influenza vaccine.

Conclusions:

• The main barrier to PCV13 uptake in older adults is the failure to offer it during primary care visits.
• Vaccine administration is often delayed until influenza season.
• Healthcare professionals require education that PCV13 is not seasonal and should be offered year-round.