Pneumococcal vaccines prevent pneumococcal disease caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to serious infection of the lungs (pneumonia), ear (otitis media), brain (meningitis), blood (bacteremia), to name a few.
Both adults and children are encouraged to get vaccinated against pneumococcal diseases.
Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)
Pneumococcal 20-valent Conjugate Vaccine (PCV20)
PCV13 protects against 13 strains that most commonly cause pneumococcal disease, while PPSV23 only protects against 23 straints. PCV13 when given before PPSV23, provides extended protection in a selected group of patients, as compared to giving PPSV23 alone. Prevenar 20 is approved for the prevention of invasive disease caused by 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae strains.
Please note that consultation and administering of vaccinations are strictly by appointment only.
