Editorial: Physician, Vaccinate Thyself

But stay tuned for the 13-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine to be licensed and recommended for adults aged 50 and older. In December 2010, Pfizer announced that it submitted supplemental applications to both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency to expand the use of Prevnar 13 to adults aged 50 years and older for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by the 13 serotypes contained in the vaccine. The FDA is expected to respond in October 2011.

Routine use of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in infants beginning 11 years ago prevented an estimated 211,000 serious pneumococcal infections and 13,000 deaths during 2000-2008, including those among both children and adults. The switch to PCV13 in 2010 is expected to further reduce disease by covering those extra six strains, particularly 19A. The vaccination of adults aged 50 and older will expand that protection. Once PCV13 is approved for adults aged 50 and older, physicians in that age range should get the vaccine.

• Human Papillomavirus. Recommended for all previously unvaccinated women through age 26 years, Gardasil or Cervarix should be considered by all young female physicians. Moreover, although not a strict recommendation, Gardasil (but not Cervarix) is also suggested for men through age 26 years in order to reduce the likelihood of acquiring genital warts. The risk is particularly increased among men who have sex with men. There are physicians who fall into the above categories.

• Zoster. The zoster vaccine (Zostavax) is recommended for the prevention of shingles in all adults aged 60 years and older, including physicians.

Physician, vaccinate thyself.

Dr. Michael E. Pichichero, a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases, is director of the Rochester (N.Y.) General Research Institute. He disclosed that he has served as a consultant from time to time for Sanofi Pasteur, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Merck, and Novartis; he said he donates honoraria to charity. The institution where he works has received research funding from Sanofi Pasteur, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Merck, and Novartis. He said he does not hold a financial interest in any of the vaccine companies. He is the inventor of a new vaccine for pneumococcal infections that cause ear infections in children, and Sanofi Pasteur is the assignee of a patent that has been filed for that discovery.