What is the recommended administration frequency for the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine?

From the Guidelines

The recommended administration frequency for the pneumococcal vaccine is a single dose of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15 for adults aged ≥19 years with certain medical conditions, with a follow-up dose of PPSV23 at least 1 year after PCV15, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in 2024 1.

Key Considerations

• The pneumococcal vaccine schedule depends on age and health status, with different recommendations for adults 65 and older, adults 19-64 with certain medical conditions, and children.
• For adults 65 and older, a single dose of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15 is recommended, with a follow-up dose of PPSV23 at least 1 year after PCV15 if PCV15 is used 1.
• For adults 19-64 with certain medical conditions, such as chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system, vaccination is also recommended, typically starting with PCV15 or PCV20 1.

Vaccine Administration

• The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against pneumococcal bacteria, providing protection before exposure to the disease.
• The recommended interval between doses varies depending on the vaccine and the individual's health status, with a minimum interval of 8 weeks considered for certain adults with immunocompromising conditions 1.

Important Notes

• The pneumococcal vaccination recommendations should be reviewed again when the person reaches age 65 years, as the recommendations may change at that time 1.
• If PCV21 or PCV20 is used in place of any dose of PPSV23, the series is complete, and it need not be followed by additional pneumococcal vaccine doses 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 administration frequency for the pneumococcal (pneumonia) 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.

• The label does mention that 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 2.

From the Research

Pneumococcal Vaccine Administration Frequency

The recommended administration frequency for the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine varies based on age and health status.

• For adults aged 65 years and older, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine use of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in series with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) 3.
• Adults at risk for pneumococcal pneumonia, including those over 65 years of age and those with chronic diseases, should receive the 23-polysaccharide vaccine, and immunosuppressed patients of any age should receive both vaccines 4.
• The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends PNEU-C-20 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 5.
• Adults should be revaccinated once at age 65 years or older with the 23-polysaccharide vaccine provided that at least 5 years have elapsed since the previous vaccination 4.

Special Considerations

• For immunocompetent adults aged ≥18 years with comorbidities associated with increased pneumococcal disease risk, PCV13 is not recommended 6.
• The efficacy of PCV13 against vaccine-serotype (VT) invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and pneumonia in adults aged ≥65 years is supported by studies 3, 6.
• The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is effective against vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease and vaccine-type pneumococcal pneumonia, but its effectiveness may be lower in adults aged ≥75 years, those with certain underlying conditions, and individuals who were vaccinated >5 years before disease onset 7.