Some physicians in our area order PPSV23 every 5 years for their patients. Is this correct?

No. Only certain high-risk people who were vaccinated with PCV13 and PPSV23 when younger than age 65 years will need a second dose of PPSV23 5 years later. At age 65 years or older, all adults with no or unknown history of PCV vaccination are now recommended to have either a single dose of PCV20 alone or a dose of PCV15 followed by a dose of PPSV23 one year later.

For people 65 and older who have had a prior PCV13 vaccine, then CDC recommends a single dose of PPSV23 at least one year after PCV13 (and at least 5 years after any prior PPSV23 dose given before age 65 years). If PPSV23 is unavailable at the time vaccination is due, but PCV20 is available, PCV20 may be administered instead of PPSV23.