Pneumococcal Vaccination: What you need to know
Pneumococcal disease refers to?
● Any illness caused by a common bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
● These bacteria can cause many types of illnesses, including:
o Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
o Ear infections
o Sinus infections
o Meningitis (infection of the tissue covering the brain & spinal cord)
o Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)
● These infections can be very serious, especially in young children, older adults, and people with certain health problems.
● Vaccination is the best way to prevent serious pneumococcal disease
Clinical Overview of Pneumococcal Disease | Pneumococcal | CDC
How is it spread?
● Direct person-to-person
o Coughing or sneezing
o Sharing drinks, utensils, or personal items
o Close contact with children, who often carry the bacteria without symptoms
Prevention
● The most effective way to prevent pneumococcal disease is vaccination
● Additional prevention steps include:
o Practicing good hand hygiene
o Covering coughs and sneeze
o Avoiding close contact when sick
o Managing chronic health conditions
PREVNAR 20® (Pneumococcal 20-Valent Conjugate Vaccine) | Safety Info
What is Prevnar 20?
● A pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against 20 different types (serotypes) of pneumococcal bacteria.
● Given as a shot in the muscle (usually the arm or thigh)
Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations | Pneumococcal | CDC
Who should get Prevnar 20?
● Children younger than 5 years old
o Series: 4 doses (2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months)
● Adults 50 years and older
o Who never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
o One dose is recommended
● Adults 19-49 years old with certain medication conditions or risk factors
o Weakened immune system (e.g. from cancer treatment or HIV)
o Chronic heart, lung, liver disease
o Diabetes
o Alcoholism, smoking
**A pharmacist or healthcare provider can determine which vaccine is right for you**
Call to action
● Protect yourself and your loved ones from serious pneumococcal disease
● Ask our pharmacy team today if you’re due for a pneumococcal vaccine
● Get your PCV20 vaccine today at one of our pharmacy locations!
Author:
Katherine Chanthalangsy, PharmD
University of the Pacific (UOP) Class of 2026
Pneumococcal Citations
About pneumococcal disease. (2024, October 31). Pneumococcal Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/index.html
Adult immunization schedule. (2023, November 16). Vaccines & Immunizations. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Vaccine Information Statement: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine: What you need to know. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/downloads/pcv.pdf
Immunize.org. (2024). Standing orders for administering pneumococcal vaccines to adults. https://www.immunize.org/wp-content/uploads/catg.d/p3075.pdf
Pneumococcal disease symptoms and complications. (2024, February 6). Pneumococcal Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/signs-symptoms/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/symptoms-complications.html
Pneumococcal vaccination. (2024, October 26). Pneumococcal Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/index.html
Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations. (2024, October 26). Pneumococcal Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/hcp/vaccine-recommendations/index.html