Vaccine types
Two newer versions of the pneumococcal vaccine have replaced older versions and cover more strains of the infection. PCV20 (conjugate) and PCV15 (conjugate) are recommended. The numbers represent the number of bacterial strains they protect against.
The older vaccines are PCV13 (conjugate) and PPSV23 (polysaccharide).
PCV15 or PCV20 is recommended for adults 65 years or older and adults 19 through 64 years old with certain medical conditions or risk factors.
What is PCV15?
This conjugate vaccine protects against 15 different types of bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. It is recommended for children younger than age 5 and children between age 5 through 18 years of age with certain medical conditions. It should be avoided for anyone who has had an allergic reaction to any PCV vaccine.
Your family physician may decide to give you PCV15 if you are aged 65 and older or if you are aged 19-64 with certain medical conditions such as an immunocompromising condition, a cerebrospinal fluid leak, or a cochlear implant. If PCV15 is used, talk to your doctor about getting a dose of PPSV23 at a later date.
What is PCV20?
This conjugate vaccine that protects against 20 different types of bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. It is recommended for adults 65 and adults 19 through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions or risk factors. Talk to your doctor about which is right for you, or if you have received an older version of the PCV vaccine.
PCV20 has been shown to offer greater immune response.