Abstract The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) elicits robust functional antibody responses in immunocompetent adults aged ≥50 years, including healthy adults and those considered at risk (ie, stable, chronic cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, or diabetes mellitus). This analysis is consistent with data suggesting immunocompetent at-risk populations aged ≥50 years produce functional anti-pneumococcal antibody responses to PCV13 comparable to those not at risk. An OPA titer that correlates with protection has not been defined for adults; however, PCV13 elicits generally higher responses than the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) one month after vaccination. PCV13 vaccination of immunocompetent at-risk populations likely results in benefits analogous to those without additional risk.
Keywords: 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine; at-risk adults; pneumococcal disease; diabetes mellitus; cardiovascular disease; pulmonary disease