Pronunciation: cap-vacks-iv
Generic name: pneumococcal 21-valent conjugate vaccine
Dosage form: intramuscular injection
Drug class: Bacterial vaccines

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Jul 18, 2024.

What is Capvaxive?

Capvaxive (pneumococcal 21-valent conjugate vaccine) is a single-dose vaccine that may be used to protect adults aged 18 years and older against invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia caused by certain types of bacteria called pneumococcus.

These bacteria can cause many types of illnesses, which can be severe, such as infections in:

• your lungs (pneumonia)
• the area around your brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
• your blood (bacteremia).

You cannot get pneumococcal disease from Capvaxive but Capvaxive might not protect everyone who gets the vaccine.

Capvaxive works by stimulating cells in your immune system to kill bacteria. It works against 22 Streptococci pneumoniae serotypes (serotype 15B has a similar molecular structure to serotype 15C) using opsonization (an immune process where opsonins, such as antibodies, are used to tag foreign pathogens for elimination by phagocytes) to target the specific S. pneumoniae serotypes. Capvaxive protects against 8 serotypes not covered by other pneumococcal shots.

Capvaxive was FDA-approved on June 17, 2024. The indication for pneumonia prevention is approved under the accelerated approval designation based on immune responses. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon continued benefits reported in further clinical trials.

Capvaxive side effects

The most common side effects of Capvaxive are:

• Pain, redness, or swelling where you got the injection
• Feeling tired
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fever.

These side effects usually last less than 3 days.

Tell your healthcare provider about these side effects or any unusual symptoms that develop after you
get this vaccine. Get medical care right away if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction, which may
include:

• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Hives
• Rash.

Keep track of all side effects you have. If you ever need another pneumococcal vaccine, tell the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

There may be side effects not listed here. Ask your healthcare provider for more information. You may also report any side effects to Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC at 1-877-888-4231 or directly to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The VAERS toll-free number is 1-800-822-7967 or report online to www.vaers.hhs.gov.

Related/similar drugs

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive Capvaxive if you ever had a severe allergic reaction to a pneumococcal or diphtheria toxoid vaccine, including Capvaxive, or any of the inactive ingredients in the vaccine.

Tell the vaccination provider if you have:

• have had an allergic reaction to any vaccine
• have a weak immune system (which means your body is less able to fight off infections)
• are taking any medications or treatments that might weaken the immune system (like
  immunosuppressants or steroids)
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.

Tell the vaccination provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is Capvaxive given?

• You will get an injection into the muscle (usually in your upper arm).
• You will get one dose of the vaccine

Usual Adult Dose of Capvaxive for Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis

• Capvaxive 0.5 mL IM once as a single dose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Capvaxive is given as a single dose and does not have a booster schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving Capvaxive?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect Capvaxive?

Tell the vaccination provider if you have recently received drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• steroid medicine
• medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders
• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Capvaxive, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here. See the Capvaxive prescribing information for a full list of interactions.

Capvaxive ingredients

Active ingredient(s): Bacterial sugars from 21 types of pneumococcus; each linked to a protein (CRM197). The sugars from these bacteria and the protein are not alive and do not cause disease.

Inactive ingredient(s): L-histidine, polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, water.

Capvaxive does not have any preservatives. The tip cap and plunger stopper of the prefilled syringe are not made with natural rubber latex.

What S. pneumoniae serotypes is Capvaxive effective against?

Capvaxive is effective against the following S. pneumoniae serotypes:

• Invasive disease: S. pneumoniae serotypes 3, 6A, 7F, 8, 9N, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15A, 15B, 15C, 16F, 17F, 19A, 20A, 22F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, 33F, and 35B
• Pneumonia: S. pneumoniae serotypes 3, 6A, 7F, 8, 9N, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15A, 15C, 16F, 17F, 19A, 20A, 22F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, 33F, and 35B.

Storage

Store Capvaxive refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

Do not freeze. Protect from light.

The tip cap and plunger stopper are not made with natural rubber latex.

Who makes Capvaxive?

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC., makes Capvaxive.

Frequently asked questions

• Prevnar 20 vs Pneumovax 23: Which vaccine is right for you?
• How long does a pneumonia vaccine shot last?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer