Can Prevnar 20 and Tdap Be Given the Same Day?
Yes, Prevnar 20 and Tdap can and should be administered on the same day when both vaccines are indicated. 1
Core Principle for Simultaneous Administration
- Inactivated vaccines like Prevnar 20 and Tdap may be administered simultaneously or at any interval before or after each other without contraindication. 1
- Simultaneous administration of all indicated vaccines increases the likelihood that patients receive each vaccine according to the recommended schedule, which is the primary goal. 2
- Studies demonstrate that administering multiple inactivated vaccines simultaneously produces seroconversion rates and adverse reaction rates similar to those observed when vaccines are given separately. 1
Proper Administration Technique
- Each vaccine must be administered with a separate syringe at a different anatomical site. 1, 2
- Tdap should be administered intramuscularly (0.5 mL) preferably into the deltoid muscle. 1
- Prevnar 20 should be administered intramuscularly (0.5 mL) using a sterile needle attached to the pre-filled syringe. 3
- Do not mix Prevnar 20 with other vaccines in the same syringe. 3
Safety Considerations
- Observe the patient for 15-20 minutes after vaccination, as syncope (fainting) can occur and is more common among adolescents and young adults. 2, 4
- Check for latex allergies before administration, as some vaccine syringes contain latex in the tip or rubber plunger. 1
- Minor illnesses without fever are not contraindications to vaccination. 4
Evidence Quality Note
While one adult study 5 showed that Tdap given 3-4 weeks before PCV13 reduced antibody response to six pneumococcal serotypes, this finding does not apply to same-day administration. The ACIP guidelines explicitly state that the benefits of protection against disease outweigh potential risks of local reactions when vaccines are given simultaneously. 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not unnecessarily space these vaccines—spacing does not improve safety and only delays protection. 2
- Do not miss an opportunity to vaccinate; if both vaccines are indicated, administer them at the same visit. 1
- Document all vaccination details (vaccine type, manufacturer, anatomical site, route, and date) to prevent unnecessary revaccination. 2