From the Guidelines
The newest pneumonia vaccine is the 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV21), licensed by the Food and Drug Administration in 2024 for use in persons aged ≥18 years. This vaccine adds eight new serotypes not contained in other licensed vaccines, providing broader protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria 1. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the use of PCV21 among U.S. adults, particularly those aged ≥65 years and those aged 19–64 years with a risk condition who have not received PCV or whose vaccination history is unknown 1.
Key considerations for the use of PCV21 include:
- Immunogenicity: PCV21 has been shown to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the bacterial capsular polysaccharides of the included pneumococcal strains 1.
- Safety: The safety profile of PCV21 is expected to be similar to that of other pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, with mild side effects such as injection site pain, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache 1.
- Resource use: The use of PCV21 may impact resource allocation, particularly in terms of vaccine distribution and administration 1.
The ACIP recommendations for PCV21 use are based on the available evidence, including studies on immunogenicity, safety, and resource use 1. The use of PCV21 is expected to provide significant benefits in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, particularly for older adults, those with chronic health conditions, and immunocompromised individuals. While PCV21 does not protect against all causes of pneumonia, it covers a broad range of serious pneumococcal strains, making it an important tool in the prevention of pneumococcal disease 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The effectiveness of Prevnar 20 for the prevention of invasive disease caused by S. pneumoniae serotypes 1,3,4,5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F has been established in individuals 6 weeks through 17 years of age [see Clinical Studies (14. 2)]. Prevnar 20, Pneumococcal 20-valent Conjugate Vaccine is a sterile suspension of saccharides of the capsular antigens of S. pneumoniae serotypes 1,3,4,5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F, individually linked to non-toxic diphtheria CRM197 protein.
The newest pneumonia vaccine is Prevnar 20, a 20-valent conjugate vaccine that protects against 20 serotypes of S. pneumoniae. It is approved for use in individuals 6 weeks through 17 years of age 2.
- Key features:
- 20-valent conjugate vaccine
- Protects against 20 serotypes of S. pneumoniae
- Approved for use in individuals 6 weeks through 17 years of age
- Indications: prevention of invasive disease caused by S. pneumoniae serotypes 1,3,4,5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F.
From the Research
Newest Pneumonia Vaccine
- The newest pneumonia vaccine is the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) 3, which provides extended serotype coverage and has shown a robust immune response in clinical trials.
- PCV20 contains the components of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and includes capsular polysaccharide conjugates for 7 additional serotypes.
- Another new vaccine is the 14-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (PNEUBEVAX 14®) 4, which includes additional serotypes 22F and 33F and has been shown to be safe, immunogenic, and non-inferior to PCV-13 in infants.
Key Features of New Vaccines
- PCV20 provides protection against 20 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, including the 13 serotypes covered by PCV13 and 7 additional serotypes 3.
- PNEUBEVAX 14® provides protection against 14 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, including serotypes 22F and 33F 4.
- Both vaccines have been shown to be safe and immunogenic in clinical trials, with robust immune responses observed in adults and infants 3, 4.
Comparison with Existing Vaccines
- PCV20 provides extended serotype coverage compared to PCV13, which covers 13 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae 3.
- PNEUBEVAX 14® provides additional serotype coverage compared to PCV13, with the inclusion of serotypes 22F and 33F 4.
- The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) provides protection against 23 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, but has been shown to have limited efficacy against non-bacteremic pneumonia 5.