From the Guidelines
Getting the pneumonia vaccine twice in 5 years is generally not harmful, but it may not be necessary for most adults, and the decision to vaccinate should be based on individual health status and age, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The recommendation for pneumococcal vaccines depends on your age and health status. For healthy adults 65 and older, the current recommendation is typically one dose of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15, or PCV15 followed by PPSV23 at least one year later, as outlined in the 2024 guidelines 1.
- Key considerations include:
- Age: 65 and older, or younger with certain medical conditions
- Health status: presence of chronic medical conditions, immunocompromising conditions, or other risk factors
- Previous vaccination history: type and timing of previous pneumococcal vaccines For adults under 65 with certain medical conditions, such as chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system, specific vaccination schedules are recommended, including the use of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15, with or without PPSV23, as outlined in the guidelines 1. If you've received two pneumonia vaccines within 5 years, it's likely you either followed a recommended schedule for your specific health condition or there may have been an oversight.
- Potential concerns with repeated vaccination include:
- Increased local reactions at the injection site
- Uncertainty regarding clinical benefit and safety of multiple revaccinations, as noted in earlier guidelines 1 The vaccines themselves are safe even if given more frequently than recommended, though unnecessary doses should be avoided. If you're unsure about your vaccination status, consult your healthcare provider to review your records and determine if any additional doses are needed in the future, based on the most recent guidelines and your individual health status 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Study 66 evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of Prevnar 13 in adults 18 through 64 years of age who had not received a previous dose of pneumococcal vaccine. One clinical safety study9 (Study 9) of Prevnar 13, conducted in PPSV23 previously vaccinated (≥3 years prior to enrollment) adults aged ≥68 years was a single arm study The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Pneumonia Vaccine Administration
- The recommended intervals between PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines differ by age and risk group, as well as the order in which the two vaccines are given 2.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding the effects of receiving the pneumonia vaccine twice in 5 years.
Vaccine Effectiveness
- Studies have compared the effectiveness of PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines in preventing pneumococcal disease in adults, with PCV13 demonstrating better protection than PPSV23 in some cases 3, 4.
- The effectiveness of PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines can vary depending on the population, design, and outcomes of the study 4.
Vaccination Recommendations
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has made recommendations for the use of PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines in adults, including those with immunocompromising conditions 5, 6.
- The ACIP recommends that a dose of PCV13 be followed by a dose of PPSV23 in all adults aged ≥65 years who have not previously received pneumococcal vaccine and in persons aged ≥2 years who are at high risk for pneumococcal disease because of underlying medical conditions 2.