From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
In Canada, adults 65 years and older should receive a sequential vaccination with Prevnar 13 (PCV13) followed by Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23) at least 8 weeks later, as this regimen has been shown to be the most effective in preventing pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia, particularly in the 65-74 age group, with an adjusted vaccine effectiveness of 80.3% 1. The recommendation for pneumonia vaccination in Canada is based on the most recent and highest quality evidence available.
- The vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which cause pneumococcal pneumonia.
- PCV13 protects against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria and creates a stronger immune response, while PPSV23 covers 23 strains but may produce a less robust immunity.
- The sequential vaccination regimen with PCV13 and PPSV23 is recommended for high-risk individuals, including those with chronic health conditions, immunocompromised status, or certain lifestyle factors.
- Children under 2 years should receive PCV13 as part of their routine immunization schedule, typically at 2,4, and 12 months of age.
- These vaccines are available through healthcare providers, public health clinics, and some pharmacies across Canada, and many are covered by provincial health plans or private insurance. The evidence supporting this recommendation includes a prospective, test-negative study published in 2022, which found that sequential PCV13/PPSV23 vaccination was the most effective in preventing pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia in adults 65-74 years old 1.
- Other studies have also shown the effectiveness of PCV13 and PPSV23 in preventing pneumococcal disease, including a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in 2015, which found that PCV13 was effective in preventing vaccine-type pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease in adults 65 years and older 2.
- A review of available evidence published in 2021 also found that PPSV23 was effective in preventing vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease and vaccine-type pneumococcal pneumonia, and that sequential PCV13/PPSV23 vaccination may provide additional protection against pneumococcal disease 3.