Mountain Pacific Blog

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just approved a new vaccine for adults. PREVNAR 20™ (Pneumococcal 20-valent Conjugate Vaccine) helps prevent invasive disease and pneumonia caused by the 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) serotypes, or subgroups, in the vaccine and is recommended for adults age 18 years and older. Pneumococcal disease can include pneumonia, meningitis and other infections caused by the bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. Read the full press release.

What is next:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will review the new vaccine and decide when and where it will fall into adult immunization schedules.

What pneumococcal vaccines are currently available?

There are three vaccines used in the United States to help prevent pneumococcal disease: PCV20, PCV13 and PPSV23. Getting an influenza (flu) vaccine every year can also help, because people who get the flu have an increased risk of also getting a pneumococcal disease.

PCV20

Prevnar 20 is a vaccine that helps prevent pneumonia and invasive disease caused by 20 pneumococcal subgroups. It is a single-dose intramuscular (IM) injection, meaning those age 18 and older who receive it will get the shot injected into a muscle, most commonly the upper arm. The vaccine is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Pfizer.

PCV13

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or Prevnar 13®) protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria. The CDC recommends PCV13 for adults who have an immunocompromising condition, a cerebrospinal fluid leak or a cochlear implant. Adults 65 years or older can also decide if they want the PCV13 vaccine but should first talk with their doctor or vaccine provider to make sure it is the right option.

PPSV23

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23 or Pneumovax®) protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. The CDC recommends PPSV23 for all adults 65 years or older and for adults 19 through 64 years old with an immunocompromising condition, a cerebrospinal fluid leak, a cochlear implant or certain medical conditions. It is also recommended for adults 19 through 64 years old who smoke cigarettes.

What is pneumococcal disease?

According to the CDC, pneumococcal pneumonia causes 150,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States. In 2018 alone, pneumococcal meningitis and bacteremia killed nearly 3,500 people. While pneumococcal disease in adults often ranges from mild to serious, the disease can be deadly. However, the disease is preventable.

Pneumococcal disease is a term used for a wide range of infections caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), including

• ear infections,
• sinus infections,
• pneumonia (lung infection),
• bacteremia (bloodstream infection),
• meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord),
• sepsis (the body’s extreme response to an infection).

Which adults are most at risk for getting a pneumococcal disease?

Some adults have an increased risk for pneumococcal disease, including those who

• are 65 years or older,
• use alcohol excessively,
• smoke cigarettes,
• have certain medical conditions such as
  • chronic illnesses of the heart, liver or kidney;
  • chronic illnesses of the lung (including chronic obstructive lung disease, emphysema and asthma);
  • diabetes;
  • conditions that weaken the immune system (HIV/AIDS, cancer or damaged/absent spleen);
  • cochlear implants (an electronic device that allows some people to hear);
  • cerebrospinal fluid leak (a health problem where fluid surrounding and protecting the brain and spinal cord leaks).

Keep reading about pneumococcal disease in our blog.