Over the past 25 years, pneumococcal vaccines have evolved to cover additional serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. In 2000, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 7 (PCV7) was the first FDA-approved vaccine recommended for pneumococcal prevention in children. In 2010, PCV7 was replaced by PCV13 and today, there are now two newer pneumococcal conjugate  vaccines, PCV15 and PCV20. In each iteration, PCVs include the previous serotypes with additional serotype coverage that broadens protection.  

Currently, the center for disease control’s (CDC) advisory committee on immunization practice (ACIP) recommends either PCV15 or PCV20 for routine immunization against Streptococcus pneumoniae. In the Fall of 2023, Nationwide Children’s Hospital transitioned to PCV20 due to the expanded serotype coverage. In addition, if high-risk patients complete their series with at least one dose of PCV20, they do not need an additional PCV or pneumococcal polysaccharide 23 (PPSV23) immunization.  

Please review the CDC’s immunization schedule and special notes section that details the PCV recommendations and high-risk populations. Additionally, PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor App was developed by the CDC and is available on mobile devices to assist with pneumococcal vaccine decision-making.