From the Guidelines
Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for all adults aged 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of pneumococcal disease, with the most recent guidelines suggesting the use of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15 for adults aged ≥19 years, depending on their risk factors and previous vaccination history 1. The indication for pneumococcal vaccine is based on the individual's age and underlying medical conditions.
- For adults aged ≥65 years, a single dose of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15 is recommended, with the option to administer a single dose of PPSV23 ≥1 year after the PCV15 dose if PCV15 is used 1.
- For adults aged 19-64 years with an immunocompromising condition, a CSF leak, or a cochlear implant, a single dose of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15 is recommended, with the option to administer a single dose of PPSV23 ≥8 weeks after the PCV15 dose if PCV15 is used 1.
- For adults aged 19-64 years with chronic medical conditions, such as chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, or other risk factors, a single dose of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15 is recommended, with the option to administer a single dose of PPSV23 ≥1 year after the PCV15 dose if PCV15 is used 1. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the capsular polysaccharides of Streptococcus pneumoniae, protecting against invasive pneumococcal diseases including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Side effects are generally mild and may include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or low-grade fever. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of serious pneumococcal infections, which are a leading cause of illness and death worldwide, particularly among the elderly and immunocompromised 1.
From the Research
Indications for Pneumococcal Vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine is indicated for:
- Prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease, such as bacteremia and meningitis, in children under 2 years of age 2, 3, 4
- Prevention of pneumonia and otitis media in children under 2 years of age 2, 3
- Children 24 to 59 months of age who are at high risk for pneumococcal infection, such as those with sickle cell disease, acquired or congenital splenectomy, or human immunodeficiency virus infection 3, 4
- Adults 65 years of age or older, or those with chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular, liver, and pulmonary diseases and diabetes mellitus 5, 6
- Immunocompromised adults, who should receive both the 13-valent conjugated vaccine and the 23-polysaccharide vaccine 5
High-Risk Groups
High-risk groups that may benefit from pneumococcal vaccination include:
- Children with sickle cell disease, acquired or congenital splenectomy, or human immunodeficiency virus infection 3, 4
- Adults with chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular, liver, and pulmonary diseases and diabetes mellitus 5, 6
- Immunocompromised adults 5
- Adults aged <50 years with underlying chronic conditions, who may benefit from the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) 6