Do I Need Both Pcv13 And Ppsv23
Yes, receiving one dose of each vaccine is important to lower the risk of pneumonia. However, the CDC recommends against getting PCV13 and PPSV23 at exactly the same time. If you do need both vaccines, the CDC recommends getting PCV13 first, followed by a shot of PPSV23 at another visit. Ask your healthcare professional when you should come back for the second vaccine.
Drug Interactions Of Prevnar 13 Vs Pneumovax 23
In children and adolescents, there is not enough data to know if Prevnar 13 can be given at the same time as Human Papillomavirus Vaccine , Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine and Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine, Adsorbed .
In adults, no data is available on the administration of Prevnar 13 together with diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccines and other vaccines used in adults 50 years and older.
When Prevnar 13 is administered at the same time as another injectable vaccine, the vaccines should be administered with different syringes and injected at different sites. Prevnar 13 should not be mixed with other vaccines in the same syringe.
Giving Tylenol before Prevnar 13 may reduce the bodys response to the vaccine. Patients who are immunocompromised due to immunosuppressive therapy may not respond optimally to the vaccine.
Patients receiving the shingles vaccine, Zostavax, may have a lower immune response when receiving the vaccine at the same time as Pneumovax 23. The two vaccines should be separated by at least 4 weeks. This should rarely be an issue, though, as Shingrix is now the preferred shingles vaccine. There is limited data regarding other vaccines given at the same time as Pneumovax 23. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
Other interactions may occur. Consult your healthcare provider about the possibility of drug or vaccine interactions with Prevnar 13 or Pneumovax 23.
Drug |
Prevenar 13 Suspension For Injection
This information is intended for use by health professionals
Prevenar 13 suspension for injection
pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine
1 dose contains:
Pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 11 |
1Conjugated to CRM197 carrier protein, adsorbed on aluminium phosphate.
1 dose contains approximately 32 µg CRM197 carrier protein and 0.125 mg aluminium.
Excipients with known effect
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
The vaccine is a homogeneous white suspension.
Active immunisation for the prevention of invasive disease, pneumonia and acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in infants, children and adolescents from 6 weeks to 17 years of age.
Active immunisation for the prevention of invasive disease and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in adults 18 years of age and the elderly.
See sections 4.4 and 5.1 for information on protection against specific pneumococcal serotypes.
The use of Prevenar 13 should be determined on the basis of official recommendations taking into consideration the risk of invasive disease and pneumonia in different age groups, underlying comorbidities as well as the variability of serotype epidemiology in different geographical areas.
The immunisation schedules for Prevenar 13 should be based on official recommendations.
Posology
Infants and children aged 6 weeks to 5 years
It is recommended that infants who receive a first dose of Prevenar 13 complete the vaccination course with Prevenar 13.
Preterm infants
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Whats The Difference Between Pcv13 And Ppsv23
PCV13 | |
helps protect you against 13 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria | helps protect you against 23 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria |
usually given four separate times to children under two | generally given once to anyone over 64 |
generally given only once to adults older than 64 or adults older than 19 if they have an immune condition | given to anyone over 19 who regularly smokes nicotine products like cigarettes or cigars |
- Both vaccines help prevent pneumococcal complications like bacteremia and meningitis.
- Youll need more than one pneumonia shot during your lifetime. A 2016 study found that, if youre over 64, receiving both the PCV13 shot and the PPSV23 shot provide the best protection against all the strains of bacteria that cause pneumonia.
- Dont get the shots too close together. Youll need to wait about a year in between each shot.
- Check with your doctor to make sure youre not allergic to any of the ingredients used to make these vaccines before getting either shot.
- a vaccine made with diphtheria toxoid
- another version of the shot called PCV7
- any previous injections of a pneumonia shot
- are allergic to any ingredients in the shot
- have had severe allergies to a PPSV23 shot in the past
- are very sick
Common And Local Adverse Events

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
Studies of Pneu-C-13 vaccine indicated that irritability decreased appetite increased or decreased sleep and pain, swelling and redness at the injection site after the toddler dose and in older children, are common side effects. Low grade fever occurred in 20% to 30% or more of vaccine recipients. In adults over 50 years of age, the most commonly reported side effects included pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache and new onset of myalgia, with fever above 38°C occurring in approximately 3% of vaccine recipients.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine
Reactions to Pneu-P-23 vaccine are usually mild. Soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site occur in 30% to 60% of vaccine recipients and more commonly follow SC administration than IM administration. Occasionally, low grade fever may occur. Re-immunization of healthy adults less than 2 years after the initial dose is associated with increased injection site and systemic reactions. Studies have suggested that re-vaccination after an interval of at least 4 years is not associated with an increased incidence of adverse side effects. However, severe injection site reactions, including reports of injection site cellulitis and peripheral edema in the injected extremity, have been documented rarely with Pneu-P-23 vaccine in post-marketing surveillance, even with the first dose. Multiple re-vaccinations are not recommended refer to Booster doses and re-immunization.
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Medical Conditions Resulting In High Risk Of Ipd
Table 1: Medical Conditions Resulting in High risk of IPD
Non-immunocompromising conditions
IPD is more common in the winter and spring in temperate climates.
Spectrum of clinical illness
Although asymptomatic upper respiratory tract colonization is common, infection with S. pneumoniae may result in severe disease. IPD is a severe form of infection that occurs when S. pneumoniae invades normally sterile sites, such as the bloodstream or central nervous system. Bacteremia and meningitis are the most common manifestations of IPD in children 2 years of age and younger. Bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common presentation among adults and is a common complication following influenza. The case fatality rate of bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia is 5% to 7% and is higher among elderly persons. Bacterial spread within the respiratory tract may result in AOM, sinusitis or recurrent bronchitis.
Disease distribution
Worldwide, pneumococcal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization estimates that almost 500,000 deaths among children aged less than 5 years are attributable to pneumococcal disease each year. In Canada, IPD is most common among the very young and adults over 65 years of age.
Persons With Inadequate Immunization Records
Children and adults lacking adequate documentation of immunization should be considered unimmunized and should be started on an immunization schedule appropriate for their age and risk factors. Pneumococcal vaccines may be given, regardless of possible previous receipt of the vaccines, as adverse events associated with repeated immunization have not been demonstrated. Refer to Immunization of Persons with Inadequate Immunization Records in Part 3 for additional information about vaccination of people with inadequate immunization records.
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How Much Will It Cost
At this time, Prevnar 20s list price hasnt been announced. However, this vaccine will likely be common for older adults, and its expected that Medicare will cover the bill. Pneumococcal vaccines are a cost-free benefit of Medicare Part B, and people with original Medicare or Medicare Advantage can receive covered pneumococcal vaccines with specific providers.
If you have Medicaid, check with your state Medicaid agency to see which vaccines are offered. Many Medicaid plans pay for some vaccines, but specific coverage varies.
All Health Insurance Marketplace plans and many private plans cover pneumococcal vaccines when provided by an in-network provider, but costs can vary depending on the specific insurance plan.
For people without insurance or adequate coverage, financial assistance and coupon programs may be available. Check back with GoodRx to find more ways to save and make your vaccinations more affordable.
How Much Do Pneumovax 23 And Prevnar 13 Cost
Pneumovax 23 and Prevnar 13 can be quite expensive without insurance. One dose of Pneumovax 23 currently costs around $135 cash price, while one dose of Prevnar 13 costs around $250 cash price. With a GoodRx coupon, you might be able to reduce your cost for these to around $90 and $195, respectively. Read here for information on how to use a GoodRx coupon for vaccines.
All health insurance marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, and most other private insurance plans, must cover pneumococcal vaccines without charging a copayment or coinsurance when an in-network provider administers the vaccine even if you have not met a yearly deductible. Medicare does not cover either vaccine.
Remember: The recommendations for who should get a pneumonia vaccination are based on risk factors and age, so be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you might need one. You should be able to receive both Pneumovax 23 and Prevnar 13 at your local pharmacy. Depending on which state you live in, these vaccines may not require a prescription. Be sure to reach out to your pharmacist for more information. The CDC has more information about these vaccinations here.
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Groups At Risk Of Ipd
People who are immunocompromised and unable to mount an adequate immune response to pneumococcal capsular antigens have the highest risk of IPD.2,4,34 This includes people with asplenia.
Greater risk and/or severity of IPD
- excessive alcohol consumption
- certain non-immunocompromising chronic medical conditions2,34,42,43
Indigenous populations in developed countries, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, have a disproportionately high burden of IPD
Young children and elderly people have the highest incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease .37,38,45 Disease burden is also disproportionately high in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.1,2
What Is A Pneumococcal Vaccine
A pneumococcal vaccine is an injection that can prevent pneumococcal disease. A pneumococcal disease is any illness that is caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including pneumonia. In fact, the most common cause of pneumonia is pneumococcal bacteria. This type of bacteria can also cause ear infections, sinus infections, and meningitis.
Adults age 65 or older are amongst the highest risk groups for getting pneumococcal disease.
To prevent pneumococcal disease, there are two types of pneumococcal vaccines: the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine .
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Path To Improved Health
Pneumococcal vaccines can protect you against getting pneumonia, which is contagious and spreads from close, person-to-person contact. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and can lead to many symptoms, including:
- cough
- chest pains
- bringing up mucus when you cough
For seniors, pneumonia can be very serious and life-threatening. This is especially true if you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or COPD. Pneumonia can also develop after youve had a case of the flu or a respiratory virus such as COVID-19. It is extremely important to stay current on flu shots each year in addition to your pneumococcal vaccines.
While PPSV23 and PCV13 do not protect against all types of pneumonia, they can make it less likely that you will experience severe and possibly life-threatening complications from the illness.
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that seniors who have not had either pneumococcal vaccine should get a dose of PCV13 first, and then a dose of PPSV23 6-12 months later. The vaccines cannot be given at the same time. If you have recently had a dose of PPSV23, your doctor will wait at least one year to give you PCV13.
Prevnar 13 Vs Pneumovax 23 Vaccines

Pneumonia is an infection that develops in the lungs. This infection is caused by fungi, viruses, and bacteria.
Symptoms of Pneumonia:
The symptoms include problems with breathing, very high fever, pain in the chest, and a variety of respiratory issues. This is why this infection tends to be quite hazardous when children are affected by it. However, it also affects adults.
Prevnar 13 vs. pneumovax 23 vaccines: Who gets these vaccines?
Patients who have suffered from pneumonia in the past as well as people 50 or older, people with a past or present history of smoking, a history of asthma or COPD, or a history of immunocompromising conditions need to get vaccinated. There are at the moment two vaccines which have been approved by the FDA and they are effective for the prevention of pneumococcal disease. The two vaccines are called Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. But you cannot simply go ahead and choose one vaccination over another. You need to ensure that the patient gets the right one for him or her.
Pneumovax 23 vaccination:
Doctors recommend that individuals who are between 2 to 64 years old are eligible to receive the vaccine called Pneumovax 23. But they should ensure that candidates meet one or more of the criteria mentioned below:
Prevnar 13 vaccination and who should receive it
On the other hand, doctors have recommended that people who meet the following criteria should receive Prevnar 13:
Pneumovax 23 and Prevnar 13: What is the chief difference between the two?
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Who Is Recommended To Get Prevnar 20
Although adults ages 18 and older are eligible to receive Prevnar 20, its not yet certain how Prevnar 20 will be used alongside Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23.
The CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices develops recommendations on how to use vaccines. Although Prevnar 20 was approved last week, the CDC and ACIP have yet to incorporate Prevnar 20 into its overall recommendations.
According to Pfizer, ACIP is expected to meet in to discuss updated recommendations on the use of pneumococcal vaccines in adults.
Updates To Pneumonia Vaccine Recommendations For Adults Over 65
There are two types of vaccines against pneumococcal disease: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine . PCV 13 is available under the brand name Prevnar 13 and PPSV23 is sold as the brand Pneumovax 23. For all adults aged 65 years or older, CDC used to recommend a routine series of Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23 vaccines. However, due to the decline of pneumococcal disease among seniors as a result of vaccinations, guidelines have changed.
In June 2019, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices decided that for healthy adults aged 65 or older, the vaccine may not be necessary. ACIP now recommends that patients have a conversation with their doctor to decide whether to get Prevnar 13. However, older adults who have a high risk for pneumococcal disease should still receive both Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Additionally, Pneumovax 23 is still recommended for all adults over age 65.
Old Recommendation for Older Adults | New Recommendation for Older Adults |
For all adults 65 years old or older*:Administer 1 dose of PCV 13 first, and give 1 dose of PPSV23 at least 1 year later | For adults 65 years old or older who do not have immunocompromising condition*:Administer 1 dose of PPSV23For adults 65 years old or older with an immunocompromising condition, cochlear implant, or cerebrospinal fluid leak*:Administer PCV13 first, and give PPSV23 at least 8 weeks |
* For more information, visit CDC website at
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Prevnar 13 Vs Pneumovax 2: Differences Similarities And Which Is Better For You
Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ
Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lung, which can be life-threatening, especially in infants and children, patients who are immunocompromised, and adults over 65. According to the CDC, about 50,000 people die in the US every year from pneumonia. Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23 are two brand-name vaccines approved by the FDA. Both vaccines are used to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia and its complications, but they have some differences such as how they are administered, and the types of bacteria they protect against. Lets compare the two below.
Pneumococcal Disease In Children
In children, the most common manifestation is bacteraemia without focus. This accounts for approximately 70% of IPD, followed by pneumonia with bacteraemia.
Meningitis is the least common but most severe category of IPD
- irritability
- seizures
Acute otitis media is the most common non-invasive manifestation of pneumococcal disease in children. Streptococcus pneumoniae is detected in 2855% of middle ear aspirates from children with acute otitis media.34,38,39
Pneumococcal disease in adults
In adults, pneumonia with bacteraemia is the most common manifestation of IPD
- more than one-third of all community-acquired pneumonia
- up to half of hospitalised pneumonia in adults
However, it is difficult to accurately determine the proportion attributable to pneumococci in cases of non-bacteraemic pneumonia.
Symptoms of pneumonia include:
- chest pain
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How Is Prevnar 13 Given
Prevnar 13 is given as an injection into a muscle.
For infants and toddlers, the pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine is given in a series of shots. The first shot is usually given when the child is 6 weeks to 2 months old. The booster shots are then given at 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months of age.
If your child is 7 months to 5 years old, he or she can still receive Prevnar 13 on the following schedule:
-
Age 7-11 months: Two shots at least 4 weeks apart, followed by a third shot after the child turns 1 year .
-
Age 12-23 months: Two shots at least 2 months apart.
-
Age 24 months to 5 years : One shot.
The timing of this vaccination is very important for it to be effective. Your child’s individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor’s instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.
For adults and children older than 5 years, Prevnar 13 is usually given as one shot.
Be sure to keep your child on a regular schedule for other immunizations such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis , hepatitis, and varicella . Your doctor or state health department can provide you with a recommended immunization schedule.