PCV20 Administration Route and Dose
Yes, PCV20 (Prevnar 20) is administered intramuscularly as a single 0.5 mL dose for adults aged ≥65 years or those with high-risk conditions who have previously received PPSV23. 1, 2
Administration Details
Route and Dose:
- Intramuscular (IM) injection is the standard route of administration 1, 3
- Single 0.5 mL dose completes the pneumococcal vaccination series 1, 2
- No additional pneumococcal vaccines are needed after PCV20 administration 1, 2
Timing After Prior PPSV23
For patients who previously received PPSV23:
- Administer PCV20 at least 1 year after the last PPSV23 dose 1, 2
- This interval applies to both immunocompetent adults ≥65 years and those with chronic medical conditions 2
- Even immunocompromised patients follow the same ≥1 year interval when transitioning from PPSV23 to PCV20 2
Clinical Rationale
The 2023 ACIP guidelines updated recommendations to include conjugate vaccine administration for patients who previously received only PPSV23, providing:
- Enhanced immunologic response through T-cell dependent immunity 1
- Broader serotype coverage against 20 pneumococcal serotypes 1
- Simplified vaccination schedule with a single dose completing the series 1, 2
Evidence Quality
Phase 3 trials demonstrated that PCV20 is well-tolerated and immunogenic in adults ≥65 years previously vaccinated with PPSV23, with robust immune responses including opsonophagocytic antibody responses to all 20 vaccine serotypes one month after vaccination 4, 5
Critical Implementation Points
- Do not co-administer PCV20 with other pneumococcal vaccines on the same day 2
- Document completion of the pneumococcal vaccination series after PCV20 administration 1
- No booster doses are recommended after PCV20 for immunocompetent adults 2
- For immunocompromised patients, no additional doses are needed after PCV20 administration 2