What is the recommended frequency of Pneumovax 20 (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) administration?

From the Guidelines

Pneumovax 20 (PCV20) is typically administered as a single dose for adults who need pneumococcal vaccination, with no regular boosters required for most people, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in 2024 1.

Key Points

• For most adults aged 65 and older, or adults 19-64 with certain risk factors, only one lifetime dose of PCV20 is recommended.
• Certain high-risk individuals with immunocompromising conditions, cochlear implants, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks may need additional pneumococcal vaccination based on their specific health status.
• The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against 20 different serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, providing protection against pneumococcal diseases including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
• The protection from this vaccine is generally long-lasting, which is why most people only need a single dose in their lifetime.

Specific Recommendations

• Adults with immunocompromising conditions, a CSF leak, or a cochlear implant might benefit from shorter intervals (e.g., ≥8 weeks) between vaccine doses, as recommended by the CDC 1.
• For patients who have previously received PPSV23, PCV20 (preferred) or PCV15 can be given, with additional PPSV23 not needed for those receiving PCV20, according to the CDC 1.
• For patients who have previously received PCV13 only, they can receive PCV20 at least 1 year later, rather than PPSV23, as recommended by the CDC 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 frequency of Pneumovax 20 administration varies by age group:

• Infants 6 weeks through 15 months of age: 4-dose series at 2,4,6, and 12 through 15 months of age.
• Unvaccinated individuals 7 months through 17 years of age: according to the schedule in Table 1.
• Individuals 15 months through 17 years of age previously vaccinated with a lower valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccine: single dose.
• Individuals 18 years of age and older: single dose 2.

From the Research

Pneumovax 20 Administration Frequency

The recommended frequency of Pneumovax 20 (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) administration is as follows:

• A single dose of PCV20 is recommended for all PCV-naïve adults aged ≥50 years 3
• For adults 65 years of age and older, PCV20 is recommended 4, 5
• For adults 50-64 years of age and living with factors placing them at higher risk of pneumococcal disease, PCV20 is recommended 4
• For adults 18-49 years of age with immunocompromising conditions, PCV20 is recommended 4

Key Considerations

• PCV20 has been shown to be well-tolerated and immunogenic in adults ≥65 years of age previously vaccinated with different pneumococcal vaccine regimens 6
• The vaccine has been found to elicit a robust immune response one month after vaccination 5, 6
• PCV20 is recommended as an alternative to PCV15+PNEU-P-23 for certain adult populations 4