Overview
Pneumococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to severe illness and death, especially in children under 65 years old and adults over 65 years. The best way to be protected from severe pneumococcal disease is to get vaccinated.
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines used in the United States:
- One pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
- Three pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV): PCV15, PCV20, and PCV21
Childhood Recommendations
All children 2 years old and under should get vaccinated with PCV13. For the best protection children need to receive all four recommended doses of the PCV13 vaccine at ages:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 12 through 15 months
The CDC also recommends that children 2 -18 years old with certain medical conditions also get a dose of PPSV23.
Adult recommendations
All adults aged 50 years and older should receive a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)—PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21
Adults aged 19–49 years should receive a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine if they have risk factors for serious pneumococcal disease.
If PCV15 is used, it should be followed one year later by a dose of PPSV23.
If PCV20 or PCV21 is used, there is no need for PPSV23.
Some people with certain risk factors should also receive a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, and some may need a second pneumococcal conjugate vaccine as well.
Immunization schedules
Childhood schedules:
Adult schedule:
Additional information about the pneumococcal vaccines
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Information Statement
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Information Statement
CDC’s Pneumococcal Disease main page