Pneumococcal Vaccine Guidance for Seniors Simplified

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published simplified pneumococcal vaccine recommendations for seniors and the immunocompromised. The changes were unanimously endorsed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices following a recent review of vaccine efficacy and cost issues.

Pneumococcal vaccines protect individuals from multiple Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which can cause pneumonia and respiratory failure. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Pneumococcal Conjugated Vaccine 20, known as PCV20 (Prevnar 20), and PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) in 2021.

Download this tip sheet for simplified information about pneumococcal vaccines and CDC dosing recommendations.