Introduction
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Why get vaccinated?
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, PCV15, PCV20, and PCV21) can prevent pneumococcal disease.
Pneumococcal disease refers to any illness caused by pneumococcal bacteria. These bacteria can cause many types of illnesses, including pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs. Pneumococcal bacteria are one of the most common causes of pneumonia.
Besides pneumonia, pneumococcal bacteria can also cause:
Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but children under 5 years of age, people with certain medical conditions, and adults 50 years and older are at the highest risk.
Most pneumococcal infections are mild. However, some can result in long-term problems, such as brain damage or hearing loss. Meningitis, bacteremia, and pneumonia caused by pneumococcal disease can be fatal.
What is pneumococcal conjugate vaccine?
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine helps protect against bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease.
There are four pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13, PCV15, PCV20, and PCV21). The different vaccines are recommended for different people based on their age and medical status.
Who should get pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and when?
PCV15 and PCV20 vaccineInfants and young children usually need 4 doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20), at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months.
Children 24-59 months of age may receive pneumococcal conjugate vaccine if they did not receive the recommended doses as infants and young children.
Children and adolescents 6-18 years of age with certain medical conditions may need a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine if they did not already receive the recommended doses of PCV13, PCV15, or PCV20.
PCV15, PCV20, and PCV21 vaccineAdults 19-50 years old with certain medical conditions or other risk factors who have not already received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine should receive either:
Adults 50 years old or older who have not already received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine should receive either:
Some adults who have already received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine may need another type of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Your health care provider can give you more information.
Talk with your healthcare provider
Tell your vaccination provider if the person getting the vaccine:
In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone pneumococcal conjugate vaccination until a future visit.
People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
Your health care provider can give you more information.
What are the risks of a vaccine reaction?
Young children may be at increased risk for seizures caused by fever after pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) if it is administered at the same time as inactivated influenza vaccine. Ask your health care provider for more information.
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.
What if there is a serious reaction?
An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person to the nearest hospital.
For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider.
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website at http://www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff does not give medical advice.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that was created to compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines. Claims regarding alleged injury or death due to vaccination have a time limit for filing, which may be as short as two years. Visit the VICP website at http://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation or call 1-800-338-2382 to learn about the program and about filing a claim.
How can I learn more?
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
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Selected Revisions: March 15, 2025.