Pneumococcal Vaccine

What Are Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations?

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The United States recommends two main types of pneumococcal vaccines to protect against infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria. These vaccines protect against various serotypes of the bacteria that can cause serious illnesses. The first type is the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), which includes PCV15, PCV20, and PCV21. The second type is the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).

Understanding pneumococcal vaccine recommendations can help individuals and healthcare providers make informed decisions about protection against potentially life-threatening infections.

What Are Pneumococcal Vaccines?

Pneumococcal vaccines protect against diseases such as:

  • Pneumonia
  • Meningitis
  • Severe ear infections
  • Sinusitis
  • Sepsis (blood infection)

These vaccines are especially important for individuals at higher risk, including infants, young children, and adults aged 50 years or older.

Below is a breakdown of the CDC’s age-based and risk-based pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.

Routine Vaccination in Infants and Children

According to the CDC, children under the age of 5 should receive routine pneumococcal vaccination. This includes a 4-dose PCV series (either PCV15 or PCV20).

The recommended schedule is:

  • 2 months
  • 4 months
  • 6 months
  • 12 through 15 months

Children younger than 5 who miss scheduled doses or start the series late should still be vaccinated. The number of required doses and timing will depend on the child’s age and vaccination history.

Routine Vaccination for Adults Aged 50 Years or Older

All adults aged 50 years or older who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (or whose vaccination history is unknown) should receive one of the following:

  • PCV15
  • PCV20
  • PCV21

If a person receives PCV15, the CDC recommends an additional dose of PPSV23 one year later to complete vaccination. In certain high-risk individuals — such as those with a cochlear implant, immunocompromising conditions, or a cerebrospinal fluid leak — the interval may be shortened to eight weeks.

If a person receives PCV20 or PCV21, no additional pneumococcal vaccine is required.

Risk-Based Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations

In certain situations, additional pneumococcal vaccine doses may be recommended.

  • Children aged 2 through 18 years with specific medical conditions may require extra doses.
  • Adults aged 50 years or younger with underlying health conditions may also need vaccination.

The number of recommended doses depends on factors such as:

  • Age
  • Vaccination history
  • Presence of chronic or immunocompromising conditions

A healthcare provider can determine the appropriate schedule based on individual risk.

The Role of the Pharmacist

Pharmacists play a critical role in preventing pneumococcal infections. They are well-positioned to:

  • Educate patients and healthcare professionals on updated CDC guidelines
  • Advocate for appropriate vaccination
  • Administer vaccines to eligible children and adults

Pharmacists must stay informed about current CDC resources and recommendations to ensure accurate pneumococcal vaccine guidance.

Author Profile

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Dr. Diana Rangaves, PharmD
Diana Rangaves is a full-time writer, editor, award-winning teacher and pharmacist. She has work appearing in numerous venues, including children’s picture books, medical pharmaceutical books, scholastic books, and academic articles. Diana is the author of the Rosy Posy Papillion children’s series.

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