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Pneumococcal Vaccine

Pneumococcal vaccine prevents severe disease, hospitalization, and death very well; however, it's not guaranteed to prevent all symptoms in all people. There are two different pneumococcal vaccines.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)

PCV13 contains 13 serotypes of the pneumoncoccal bacteria. PCV13 is recommended as a series of 4 doses, one dose at each of these ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 through 15 months. Kids who miss their shots at these ages should still get the vaccine. The number of doses and the intervals between doses will depend on the child’s age. Ask your health care provider for details. Kids who have begun their immunization series with PCV7 should complete the series with PCV13.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)

PPSV23 protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. It's recommended for adults aged 65 and older people aged 2 years and older with certain long-term illnesses. Learn more about PPSV23.

• Current State-Supplied Pneumococcal-Containing Vaccines

Vaccine Information Statements

• PCV13
• PPSV23

Related Information

• Vaccine Advisory Committee Recommendation for Use of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV7) (PDF, 11KB)
• Vaccine Advisory Committee Recommendation for Use of the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine for Adults (PDF, 11KB)
• Vaccine Advisory Committee Standing Order: Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination for Adults (PDF, 11KB)

External Resources

• Vaccines and Immunizations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Find a local health department

Last Update: 08/10/2011 04:10 PM