What is Prevnar 20?
There are 2 types of pneumococcal vaccines available in the United States:
- pneumococcal conjugate vaccines Prevnar 13 (PCV13), Prevnar 15 (PCV15), and Prevnar 20 PCV20), and
- pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine Pneumovax (PPSV23).
Who should receive Prevnar 20?
Doctors give this vaccine to adults 65 years or older and other adults over 18 years of age who need it (those with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions). The vaccine helps protect against 20 types of pneumococcal bacteria that commonly cause serious infections in adults.
How many doses of Prevnar-20 should I receive?
One dose of Prevnar 20 is recommended for adults ages 65 and older and adults ages 19 to 64 with certain risk conditions.
Can I receive Prevnar 20 if I received other pneumococcal vaccines in the past?
For those who have not previously received any pneumococcal vaccine, CDC recommends giving one dose of PCV20.
If someone received PCV13 or PCV15 in the past, this should be followed by a dose of PPSV23 at least one year later. The minimum interval is 8 weeks and can be considered in adults with an immunocompromising condition, cochlear implant, or cerebrospinal fluid leak. If PCV20 is originally used, a dose of PPSV23 is not indicated.
For those who have only received PPSV23, CDC recommends the following:
1 dose of PCV15 or PCV20. The PCV15 or PCV20 dose should be administered at least one year after the most recent PPSV23 vaccination. Regardless of if PCV15 or PCV20 is given, an additional dose of PPSV23 is not recommended since they already received it. For those who have received PCV13 with or without PPSV23, CDC recommends giving PPSV23 as previously recommended.
Adults 65 Years or Older
CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults 65 years or older. For adults 65 years or older who have not previously received any pneumococcal vaccine, CDC recommends giving 1 dose of PCV 15, PCV15 or PCV20.
If PCV15 is used, this should be followed by a dose of PPSV23 at least one year later. The minimum interval is 8 weeks and can be considered in adults with an immunocompromising condition, cochlear implant, or cerebrospinal fluid leak. If PCV20 is used, a dose of PPSV23 is not indicated.
For adults 65 years or older who have only received PPSV23, CDC recommends 1 dose of PCV15 or PCV20. The PCV15 or PCV20 dose should be administered at least one year after the most recent PPSV23 vaccination. Regardless of if PCV15 or PCV20 is given, an additional dose of PPSV23 is not recommended since they already received it.
For adults 65 years or older who have only received PCV13, CDC recommends giving PPSV23 as previously recommended. For adults who have received PCV13 but have not completed their recommended pneumococcal vaccine series with PPSV23, one dose of PCV20 may be used if PPSV23 is not available. If PCV20 is used, their pneumococcal vaccinations are complete.
We recognize this may be somewhat confusing. If you are unsure about which Pneumonia vaccine is right for you, please call our office and speak to our Travel Medicine and Vaccination nurse.
