From the Guidelines
The recommended frequency for administration of the pneumococcal vaccine varies depending on age and risk factors, with a single dose of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15 recommended for adults 65 years and older, and PCV15 followed by PPSV23 or a single dose of PCV20 recommended for adults 19-64 with certain chronic medical conditions or immunocompromising conditions, as stated in the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Recommendations
- For adults 65 years and older, a single dose of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15 is recommended, with PCV15 followed by a dose of PPSV23 at least one year later if PCV15 is used 1.
- For adults 19-64 with certain chronic medical conditions or immunocompromising conditions, vaccination is also recommended, typically with PCV15 followed by PPSV23, or a single dose of PCV20 1.
- Children receive a series of PCV13 at 2,4,6, and 12-15 months of age as part of their routine childhood immunizations, with high-risk children potentially needing additional doses of PPSV23 1.
Risk Factors and Considerations
- Adults with immunocompromising conditions, such as chronic renal failure, congenital or acquired asplenia, or HIV infection, may require additional doses or a different vaccination schedule 1.
- Adults with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, may also require vaccination 1.
- The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal diseases, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which can be particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems or certain chronic conditions 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
3 Revaccination The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommendations for revaccination against pneumococcal disease for persons at high risk who were previously vaccinated with PNEUMOVAX 23. Routine revaccination of immunocompetent persons previously vaccinated with a 23-valent vaccine, is not recommended.
The recommended frequency for administration of the pneumococcal (Streptococcus pneumoniae) vaccine is not explicitly stated in the provided drug label for a general population. However, it is mentioned that routine revaccination of immunocompetent persons previously vaccinated with a 23-valent vaccine is not recommended.
- Revaccination is recommended for persons at high risk who were previously vaccinated with PNEUMOVAX 23, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations 2.
From the Research
Pneumococcal Vaccine Administration Frequency
The recommended frequency for administration of the pneumococcal (Streptococcus pneumoniae) vaccine varies by age group and risk group.
- For adults aged ≥65 years, the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is recommended, and it should be administered in series with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) 3.
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that a dose of PCV13 be followed by a dose of PPSV23 in all adults aged ≥65 years who have not previously received pneumococcal vaccine 4.
- For adults aged <50 years, particularly those with underlying chronic conditions, PCV13 would likely have similar efficacy as in adults aged ≥65 years, and recommending PCV13 for at-risk adults aged <50 years would provide direct immunologic benefit 5.
- For children, the 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15) is recommended as an option for pneumococcal conjugate vaccination of persons aged <19 years according to currently recommended PCV13 dosing and schedules 6.
Vaccination Schedules
The vaccination schedules for pneumococcal vaccines are as follows:
- For adults aged ≥65 years, PCV13 should be administered in series with PPSV23, with the recommended intervals between PCV13 and PPSV23 given in series differing by age and risk group and the order in which the two vaccines are given 4.
- For adults aged 70 years and older previously vaccinated with PPSV23, PCV13 was significantly more immunogenic than PPSV23 for most of the common serotypes and for serotype 6A 7.