Is Capvaxive the Most Recent Pneumococcal Vaccine?
Yes, Capvaxive (PCV21) is the most recently FDA-licensed pneumococcal vaccine, approved on June 17,2024, and is now included in the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations as an option for adult pneumococcal vaccination. 1
Timeline of Recent Pneumococcal Vaccines
The pneumococcal vaccine landscape has evolved rapidly in recent years:
- 2021: PCV20 (Prevnar20) and PCV15 (VAXNEUVANCE) were licensed for adults aged ≥18 years 2
- June 2024: PCV21 (CAPVAXIVE) received FDA licensure for persons aged ≥18 years 1
- October 2024: ACIP expanded recommendations to include all adults aged ≥50 years (previously ≥65 years) 3
What Makes PCV21 Unique
PCV21 contains a distinct serotype profile compared to other available vaccines—it excludes certain serotypes found in PCV20 and PCV15 but adds eight new serotypes not previously available in licensed vaccines. 1 This unique composition targets serotypes that cause significant disease burden but were not covered by earlier vaccines.
Current ACIP Recommendations for Adults
As of October 2024, the following options are recommended for pneumococcal-naïve adults:
For Adults ≥50 Years 3, 4
- Single dose of PCV21 alone, OR
- Single dose of PCV20 alone, OR
- PCV15 followed by PPSV23 (at least 1 year later for immunocompetent adults; at least 8 weeks later for immunocompromised adults) 4
For Adults 19-49 Years with Risk Conditions 1, 4
- Same vaccine options as above
- Risk conditions include chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, alcoholism, current cigarette smoking, functional or anatomic asplenia, and immunocompromising conditions 4
Clinical Considerations
All three conjugate vaccine options (PCV21, PCV20, PCV15) are considered acceptable choices, with selection based on serotype coverage needs and local epidemiology. 1 The key advantage of PCV21 is its coverage of eight additional serotypes not found in other vaccines, potentially addressing gaps in protection against circulating strains.
A critical pitfall is failing to assess pneumococcal vaccination status during routine clinical encounters, particularly at hospital admission or outpatient visits for patients with chronic conditions. 4 Current cigarette smoking alone qualifies patients aged 19-64 years for pneumococcal vaccination, yet this indication is frequently overlooked. 4
For patients who previously received PCV13, additional recommendations exist for completing their series with PCV20 or PCV21, though these are more complex and depend on prior PPSV23 receipt. 1