Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)—protects against 13 types of the bacteria.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV)—protects against 23 types of the bacteria.

The vaccines are made from inactivated bacteria. They are injected under the skin or into the muscle. The goal is to prevent getting sick if exposed to the infection later.

Who Should Get Vaccinated and When?

PCV

The PCV is given in 4 doses at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months. It can also be given to children with certain health conditions. It is advised for all adults aged 65 years and older, as well.

If your child has not been vaccinated or missed a dose, talk to their doctor. More doses may be needed. Also, an extra dose may be needed if your child has certain health conditions.

Adults 65 years old and older may receive PCV followed by PPSV.

PPSV

The PPSV is given to adults aged 65 years and older.

PPSV is also given to anyone aged 2 to 64 years who has:

Certain long-term diseases, such as:
- Heart or lung disease
- Sickle cell anemia
- Diabetes
- Alcohol use disorder and cirrhosis
Kidney problems such as kidney failure and nephrotic syndrome
Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
Cochlear implants
Certain blood cancers, such as:
- Hodgkin's disease
- Lymphoma or leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
Conditions that weaken the immune system such as:
- HIV or AIDS
- Certain medicines and cancer treatments
- Damaged spleen or no spleen
- An organ transplant

The vaccine is also advised for smokers.

People with certain conditions may need a second dose of PPSV. It should be 5 years after the first dose.

What Are the Risks Associated With the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

PCV

Generally, all vaccines have a small risk of serious problems. Side effects of PCV include:

Redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site
Fever
Sleepiness
Loss of hunger
Irritability

Acetaminophen may weaken the vaccine's effect. Do not use it without taking to the doctor first.

PPSV

Side effects may include:

Redness or pain at the injection site
Fever
Muscle aches
Severe allergic reactions—rare

Who Should Not Get Vaccinated?

PCV

Children who should not get the vaccine are those who:

Have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of PCV
Have had a severe allergy to one of the vaccine's parts
Are very ill

PPSV

You should not receive the PPSV if you:

Had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of PPSV
Had a severe allergy to one of the vaccine's parts
Are very ill

What Other Ways Can Pneumococcal Disease Be Prevented Besides Vaccination?

The risk of pneumococcal disease can be reduced by:

Avoiding close contact with people who have infections.
Washing hands often.

What Happens in the Event of an Outbreak?

If there is an outbreak, those who can get the vaccine should get it.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://familydoctor.org

Vaccines & Immunizations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov

References:

Berical AC, Harris D, et al. Pneumococcal vaccination strategies. An update and perspective. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2016;13(6):933-44.

Immunization schedules. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html. Accessed August 23, 2021.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://vaccineinformation.org/pneumococcal/. Accessed August 23, 2021.

Pneumococcal disease. Immunization Action Coalition website. Available at: . Accessed August 23, 2021.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/ppv.pdf. Accessed August 23, 2021.

Pneumococcal vaccination. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/index.html. Accessed August 23, 2021.

Pneumococcal vaccine. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/prevention/pneumococcal-vaccination. Accessed August 23, 2021.

Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 8/23/2021

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