From the Guidelines
The recommended vaccination schedule for Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine is to administer a single dose of PCV20 to adults aged 19-64 years with a chronic medical condition, or a single dose of PCV15 followed by a single dose of PPSV23 at least 1 year later [ 1 ].
Key Recommendations
- For adults aged 19-64 years with a chronic medical condition, the CDC recommends administering a single dose of PCV20 [ 1 ].
- For adults aged 65 years and older, the CDC recommends administering a single dose of PCV20, or a single dose of PCV15 followed by a single dose of PPSV23 at least 1 year later [ 1 ].
- For individuals with certain underlying medical conditions, such as immunocompromising conditions, a CSF leak, or a cochlear implant, the CDC recommends shared clinical decision-making regarding PCV20 use [ 1 ].
Important Considerations
- The vaccination schedule may vary depending on the individual's health status and medical history [ 1 ].
- It is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best vaccination schedule based on individual health needs [ 1 ].
Vaccination Schedule Options
- Option A (PCV20 available): Administer a single dose of PCV20 [ 1 ].
- Option B (PCV15 and PPSV23 available): Administer a single dose of PCV15, followed by a single dose of PPSV23 at least 1 year later [ 1 ].
From the FDA Drug Label
2.3 Vaccination Schedule for Individuals 6 Weeks Through 15 Months of Age
Administer Prevnar 20 as a 4-dose series at 2,4,6, and 12 through 15 months of age (and at least 2 months after the third dose).
2.4 Catch-Up Vaccination Schedule for Unvaccinated Individuals 7 Months Through 17 Years of Age
Individuals 7 months through 17 years of age who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine may receive Prevnar 20 according to the schedule in Table 1:
2.5 Catch-Up Vaccination Schedule for Individuals Previously Vaccinated With One or More Doses of a Lower Valency Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Administer a single dose of Prevnar 20 to individuals 15 months through 17 years of age previously vaccinated with one or more doses of a lower valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
2.6 Vaccination Schedule for Individuals 18 Years of Age and Older
Prevnar 20 is administered as a single dose.
The recommended vaccination schedule for Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine is:
- For individuals 6 weeks through 15 months of age: a 4-dose series at 2,4,6, and 12 through 15 months of age.
- For unvaccinated individuals 7 months through 17 years of age:
- 3 doses for those 7 through 11 months of age
- 2 doses for those 12 through 23 months of age
- 1 dose for those 24 months of age and above
- For individuals previously vaccinated with one or more doses of a lower valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccine: a single dose for those 15 months through 17 years of age.
- For individuals 18 years of age and older: a single dose 2
From the Research
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) Schedule
The recommended vaccination schedule for Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine varies based on age and underlying medical conditions.
- For adults aged ≥65 years, PCV13 is recommended in the United States 3.
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends use of either 20-valent PCV (PCV20) alone or 15-valent PCV (PCV15) in series with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) for all adults aged ≥65 years, and for adults aged 19-64 years with certain underlying medical conditions or other risk factors 4.
- The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends PCV20 for adults 65 years of age and older, 50-64 years of age and living with factors placing them at higher risk of pneumococcal disease, and 18-49 years of age with immunocompromising conditions, with PCV15+PPSV23 as an alternative 5.
- As of 2024, the ACIP recommends a single dose of PCV for all PCV-naïve adults aged ≥50 years 6.
Special Considerations
- Adults with underlying chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular, liver, and pulmonary diseases and diabetes mellitus, have a persistent pneumococcal disease burden and may require vaccination 3.
- Immunocompromised adults aged <65 years are recommended to receive PCV13 3.
- Adults aged 19-49 years with risk conditions for pneumococcal disease who have not received a PCV or whose vaccination history is unknown may be recommended to receive PCV20 or PCV21 alone or PCV15 in series with PPSV23 6.