About Pneumococcal Vaccines

Overview

Pneumococcal vaccines protect against pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease is caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae, also called pneumococcus. Pneumococcus bacteria are spread from person-to-person through infected saliva or respiratory mucus secretions. Pneumococcus can lead to various infections ranging from mild ear and sinus infections to more serious conditions like pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections.

Risk Factors for Pneumococcal Disease

Some people have a greater risk (higher chance) of getting pneumococcal disease. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people at higher risk for pneumococcal disease, including more severe infections, include:

Children 5 years old and younger
Adults 65 years old and older
People with certain chronic medical conditions or other factors, including:
- Alcoholism
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Cigarette smoking
- Cochlear implant (surgically implanted hearing device)
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system from conditions (“immunocompromising conditions”)
  - Damage spleen or no spleen
  - HIV infection
  - Kidney failure requiring dialysis
  - Nephrotic syndrome (a type of kidney disease)
  - Sickle cell disease
  - Cancer (including leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin Disease, and multiple myeloma)
  - Solid organ transplant (for example, kidney, liver, lung, or heart)

Pneumococcus Vaccination Recommendations

CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for:

Children 5 years and younger
Adults 50 years and older
Children and adults ages 5 – 49 years old who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

People who should not receive pneumococcal vaccine include people who are allergic to any ingredient of the vaccine or who allergic to diphtheria toxoid (a vaccine to prevent diphtheria)

Pneumococcal Vaccines

There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines currently available in the U.S.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs):
- PCV15, PCV20: These vaccines are approved for use in people 6 months of age and older.
- PCV21: This vaccine is approved for use in adults 18 years old and older.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV): The PPSV23 vaccine is approved for use in adults 50 years old and older, and for people 2 years old and older who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

Older versions of pneumococcal vaccines, such as PCV7 and PCV13, are no longer available. They have been replaced with newer PCVs that provide protection against more types of pneumococcus bacteria.

Pneumococcus vaccines vary in the strains (“serotypes”) of pneumococcus bacteria they work against, and in how well they work. These differences across the available pneumococcus vaccines may make certain vaccines more suitable to an individual’s needs. It is important to consult with the healthcare provider regarding specific vaccine recommendations. In some cases, more than one pneumococcus vaccine may be recommended.

Pneumococcal Vaccination Recommendations

Vaccine recommendations may change as new vaccines become available. Always check with a healthcare professional regarding the vaccine(s) and vaccination schedule (timing) that is right for individual factors, such as age, other conditions, and prior vaccinations.

Children younger than 5 years old: PCV is recommended as a 4-dose series using PCV15 or PCV20.
- Infants: PCV is usually given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and between 12-15 months of age.
- Older children: Based on the schedule recommended by the healthcare professional.
Adults 50 years or older or ages 19-49 with risk factors for pneumococcal disease
- If have never received a PCV vaccine or with unknown pneumococcal vaccine history: One dose of PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21.
  - PCV21 is currently not recommended for populations at increased risk for pneumococcus serotype 4 because PCV21 doesn’t cover this serotype. Populations at higher risk for serotype 4 include members of the Navajo nation and residents of western US that have experienced homelessness or substance use disorder.
- If receiving or previously received PCV15, one dose of PPSV23 a year after the PCV15 shot.
- If previously received PCV13 or PPSV23, consult with healthcare professional for advice regarding the need for additional shots.

What to Expect for Pneumococcal Vaccination

Pneumococcal vaccine is given as an injection (shot), usually into the muscle of the upper arm or thigh.
People who have a minor cold or illness can be vaccinated. A minor illness includes a low-grade fever (< 100.4F), a runny nose or cough, an ear infection, or mild diarrhea. People with a moderate or severe illness should usually wait until after recovery from the illness before receiving a pneumococcal vaccine shot. Consult with the healthcare professional to determine if vaccine can be given or should be delayed for an individual situation.
People who have had serious reactions to a pneumococcal vaccine or any other vaccine should inform the healthcare professional to determine if pneumococcal vaccine should be used.
Common temporary side effects include:
- Redness, pain or minor swelling at the injection site (where the shot was given)
- Feeling tired or drowsy
- Fever
- Muscle ache
- Irritability (in infants and young children)
- Headache
Serious severe allergic reactions are rare but may occur. Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness. Call 9-1-1 or be taken to the emergency room if any of these symptoms occur shortly after receiving a vaccine.

It's important to note that pneumococcal vaccines are generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, if you have any concerns or questions about the vaccine or its potential side effects, it's always best to consult with your healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health history and circumstances.