Pneumococal vaccination

Pneumococcal Vaccination

Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23 are pneumococcal vaccines used to protect against infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause serious illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

Prevenar 13 (PCV13)

Type: Conjugate Vaccine
Manufacturer: Pfizer
Protection: 13 pneumococcal serotypes (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 23F)
How it Works: Uses a protein carrier to help the immune system recognize and remember the bacteria for long-term protection.
Who Should Get It?

• Infants & young children (as part of routine childhood vaccination)

• Adults 65+ years

• People with weakened immune systems (e.g., cancer, HIV, organ transplant, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, etc.)

Dosage:

• Infants: 4 doses (2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months)

• Adults: 1 dose if recommended

Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23)

Type: Polysaccharide Vaccine
Manufacturer: Merck
Protection: 23 pneumococcal serotypes, including those that cause most serious infections
How it Works: Does not use a protein carrier, so it provides a shorter but broader immune response.
Who Should Get It?

• Adults 65+ years

• People with chronic conditions (heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, alcoholism, etc.)

• People with weakened immune systems

• Smokers

Dosage:

• One-time dose for adults 65+

• Younger adults may need a booster after 5 years if at high risk

Can You Get Both?

Yes! Some high-risk individuals (e.g., elderly or immunocompromised) may receive both vaccines for better protection. Usually, PCV13 is given first, followed by PPSV23 at least 1 year later.