From the Research
The recommended pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) regimen for adults is a single dose of PCV20 (Prevnar 20) or PCV21 (CAPVAXIVE) for all PCV-naïve adults aged ≥50 years, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in 2024 1.
Key Points
- The ACIP recommends a single dose of PCV for all PCV-naïve adults aged ≥50 years, regardless of risk factors or prior vaccination history.
- Options for PCV include 20-valent PCV (PCV20; Prevnar20; Wyeth Pharmaceuticals) or 21-valent PCV (PCV21; CAPVAXIVE; Merck Sharp & Dohme).
- For adults who started their pneumococcal vaccination series with 13-valent PCV (PCV13; Prevnar13; Wyeth Pharmaceuticals), additional recommendations for use of PCV20 or PCV21 are provided.
Administration and Side Effects
- The vaccine is administered as an intramuscular injection, typically in the deltoid muscle.
- Side effects are generally mild and may include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain lasting 1-2 days.
Prior Recommendations
- Previous recommendations for PCV use among adults aged 19-64 years with risk conditions and PCV13-vaccinated adults have not changed from previous recommendations 1.
- Older studies, such as those from 2014 2, 2012 3, 2017 4, and 2007 5, are no longer the most relevant or up-to-date, as the most recent ACIP recommendation from 2024 takes precedence.