Published on: July 2, 2025
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a severe respiratory infection caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. Due to its high mortality and morbidity rates, especially among more vulnerable members of the population, it’s essential to consider vaccination as a way of preventing yourself from getting this disease. Previous pneumococcal vaccines helped to reduce cases, but still left gaps in protection. The Prevnar 20 and more recently approved Prevnar 21 offer a much higher level of security and are becoming increasingly popular to avoid contracting pneumococcal pneumonia. Keep reading as we discover what pneumococcal pneumonia is, why it’s a public health concern, and the best options for protecting yourself.
What is Pneumococcal Pneumonia?
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a respiratory infection caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The infection is especially dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Pneumococcal pneumonia is known for its high mortality and morbidity rates and can cause severe illness, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia. The sickness is notorious for having many complications, which often require hospitalization and even intensive care treatment. This increase in care can also put a heavy burden on healthcare systems, which is another reason vaccination is encouraged for many members of the public. It is a global issue with very high rates in developing countries and other regions, and the costs of treatment and hospitalization can place a big economic burden on hospitals.
A Brief History of Pneumococcal Vaccines
The first pneumococcal vaccines were the polysaccharide PPSV 14 followed by PPSV 23 (Pneumovax). These were followed by the conjugate vaccines Prevnar 7 and later Prevnar 13 which provided more of an immune response especially in infants and children and offer better protection against disease. These vaccines target specific serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. These serotypes are responsible for various pneumococcal infections, including pneumonia and meningitis. While these vaccines were a step in the right direction for protecting the public against infection, there were still concerns about gaps in protection. The need for broader coverage and better efficacy continued to be a concern due to the increasing number of cases of infection and the serious complications for those who contracted it.
What is Prevnar 20?
Prevnar 20 is a vaccine that protects against 20 different strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, including 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F. It was introduced in 2021 for use within the adult population, and in April 2023, the FDA approved it for pediatric medical use. It is described as a 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine designed for active immunization against invasive pneumococcal disease.
The vaccine is generally considered safe and effective, but as with any vaccine you receive for the first time, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects. Common side effects reported by patients include pain and swelling at the injection site and drowsiness or irritability. The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children under the age of five and adults 50 years or older. It’s also encouraged for children and adults in high-risk categories for the disease.
Introducing Prevnar 21: What’s New?
Prevnar 21 is a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduced in the US in 2024. The reason for developing this vaccine was to target the pneumococcal serotypes that cause a high percentage of cases of the disease within the adult population aged 65 and older. Prevnar 21 includes eight serotypes (10A, 11A, 22F, 23B, 24F, 25A, 26A, and 36A) not present in the previous 15-valent or 20-valent pneumococcal vaccines. It’s important to note that it doesn’t include some serotypes present in Prevnar 20, but adds these new ones instead.
The FDA approved Prevnar 21 in June 2024 for adults aged 18 and older. It is an option for adults over 65 and younger adults at higher risk of contracting the disease who haven’t received a previous vaccine. The rollout is still ongoing, but it is already being used around the US.
Comparing Prevnar 20 vs. Prevnar 21
Prevnar 20 is the more commonly used option for adults over 50 and those within high-risk categories. As Prevnar 21 becomes more readily available around the country, we expect it to have use for those over 65 or who previously received a much earlier version of the vaccine. There are various reasons that a doctor may recommend one over the other, and you’ll want to speak to your doctor about the risk of contracting the disease and the best option for you based on older versions you may have received. Under eighteens will likely need to stick to an older Prevnar strain, which should also be discussed with their doctor.
Who Should Get Vaccinated and When?
CDC guidelines for adults suggest that all adults over the age of 50 should be vaccinated. The vaccine’s target range is for children under five years old. Children and adults with an increased risk of pneumococcal disease, such as immunocompromised individuals, may also be advised to receive the vaccine by their doctor. These newer vaccines are based on your current vaccine record, and we encourage you to discuss this with a medical professional to decide what’s best for you to offer you complete protection. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, shingles vaccines, and RSV vaccines can often be given together or within a close period of each other without causing any side effects. A healthcare professional can offer you personalized recommendations for your vaccine schedule.
Takeaway: Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones
Staying up to date with pneumococcal vaccines helps to protect you and your loved ones from contracting this serious and potentially deadly disease. We encourage you to talk to a healthcare provider for more information about your options. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer or for support with finding a vaccination site near you.
