From the Research
The current guidelines recommend a single dose of PCV21 for all PCV-naïve adults aged ≥50 years, as stated in the most recent study from 2025 1. The guidelines for Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV21) have been updated to include adults aged 50-64 years, in addition to those aged 65 and older, and adults aged 19-64 with certain risk factors.
- The vaccine is administered as a single dose for most adults.
- For those who previously received PCV13 or PPSV23 vaccines, a minimum interval of one year from the previous pneumococcal vaccine is recommended before administering PCV21.
- Immunocompromised patients may require additional doses based on their specific condition.
- PCV21 works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the capsular polysaccharides of the included pneumococcal serotypes, providing protection against invasive pneumococcal disease, pneumonia, and otitis media.
- Side effects are generally mild and may include injection site reactions, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and joint pain.
- PCV21 is contraindicated in individuals with severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine or to previous doses of pneumococcal vaccines. The updated guidelines are based on the latest evidence, including a study published in 2025 1, which employed the Evidence to Recommendations framework to guide its deliberations on expanding the age-based PCV recommendation to include adults aged 50-64 years.
- The study found that the risk of pneumococcal disease increases with age and is comparable for healthy older adults and younger adults with immunocompromising conditions.
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended a single dose of PCV for all PCV-naïve adults aged ≥50 years, based on the evidence reviewed in the study 1.