21/10/2025
Stay Safe from Pneumonia ( Vaccines You Shouldn’t Miss )
Pneumococcal Vaccines
There are two main types:
A. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCV)
B. Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV)
A. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCV)
• PCV13 (Prevnar 13)
• PCV15 (Vaxneuvance)
• PCV20 (Prevnar 20)
B. Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV)
• PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23)
Pneumococcal Vaccine Indications
1. All infants and children: Routine PCV series (PCV13/15/20).
2. Adults ≥65 years: Prefer PCV20; alternatively PCV15 + PPSV23.
3. Adults 19–64 with risk factors (chronic heart, lung, liver, kidney disease, diabetes, immunocompromised, asplenia, cochlear implants, CSF leaks): PCV20 or PCV15 + PPSV23.
4. High-risk/immunocompromised adults: Shorter intervals between PCV and PPSV23 may be needed.
5. PPSV23 alone: Only if conjugate vaccine not given; may require repeat after 5 years in high-risk adults.
Dosage
Adults
• PCV20: single dose (no further PCV needed)
• PCV15: single dose, followed by PPSV23 after ≥8 weeks (immunocompromised) or ≥1 year (immunocompetent)
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)
Adults ≥65 years or high-risk adults 19–64 years
• Single dose
• Repeat dose: Only in high-risk adults (immunocompromised, asplenia, chronic renal failure) after 5 years