FDA Approves Pneumococcus Vaccine in Adults
The FDA has approved Capvaxive (V116), a pneumococcus vaccine for preventing invasive disease and pneumonia caused by various serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae in individuals aged 18 and older. Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as pneumococcus, can cause severe infections, including pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis.
Recommended course: Pneumonia Treatment in the Acute Care Setting
The Capvaxive pneumococcus vaccine has shown significant promise across four Phase 3 studies, demonstrating robust immune responses in both vaccine-naïve and vaccine-experienced adults. Specifically designed for adults, the vaccine covers serotypes responsible for approximately 84% of invasive pneumococcal disease in individuals aged 50 and up.
Manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Capvaxive can now be used to help protect adult patients from potentially life-threatening infections.
Recommended course: Respiratory Tract Infections: A Focus on Antimicrobial Treatment Options
AANP announces pilot program for virtual conference
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) announced a pilot program for its 2025-2026 Fall Conferences, which will be fully online. This shift aims to enhance accessibility and flexibility for nurse practitioners (NPs) worldwide.
Recommended courses: Optimizing Your NP Career
While the traditional 2024 AANP Fall Conference will take place in Reno, Nevada, from September 19-22, the 2025-2026 conferences will be entirely virtual. This change will allow attendees to earn additional continuing education (CE) credits and access more specialty-focused topics without the costs associated with travel and lodging.
Recommended courses: Maximize Your Career Growth: Seize Professional Opportunities
Key benefits of the virtual conference include:
- More learning opportunities: Increased CE offerings and specialized topics.
- Cost savings: Eliminates travel and housing expenses.
- Flexibility: Access to sessions for over 30 days.
- Global accessibility: Engage from any time zone.
AANP will evaluate attendee feedback and educational outcomes to decide the future format of its fall conferences. The national conferences will remain in-person, with the 2025 event scheduled for San Diego, California.
CDC advises updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines for fall/winter virus season
The CDC has released updated guidelines recommending the 2024-2025 COVID-19 and flu vaccines to mitigate severe outcomes from both viruses this fall and winter. Data continues to highlight the importance of vaccination in preventing hospitalizations and deaths.
Recommended courses: Immunization Update: Vaccines Across the Lifespan
For COVID-19, the CDC advises everyone aged 6 months and older to receive the updated vaccine, regardless of previous vaccination status. The new vaccines from Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer will become available later this year. Vaccination remains crucial as protection from previous COVID-19 vaccines wanes over time, and the virus continues to evolve. Updated vaccines will offer enhanced protection against the prevalent variants, reducing the risk of severe illness and Long COVID.
Similarly, the CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive the updated 2024-2025 flu vaccine. It’s particularly vital for pregnant individuals and children needing two doses. Providers are encouraged to start planning now, with September and October being the optimal months for vaccination.
Both vaccines can be administered simultaneously, providing a streamlined approach to safeguarding against these diseases.
