Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine

Generic name: pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine [ NOO-moe-KOK-al-20-VAY-lent-KON-joo-gate-VAX-een ]
Brand name: Prevnar 20
Dosage form: intramuscular suspension (-)
Drug class: Bacterial vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 24, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine?

Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by a bacteria that can infect the sinuses, inner ear, lungs, blood, and brain. These conditions can be fatal.

Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine is used in adults to help prevent disease caused by pneumococcal bacteria. This vaccine contains 20 different types of pneumococcal bacteria.

This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the disease, but will not treat an active infection you already have.

Like any vaccine, pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Keep track of all side effects you have. If you ever need another pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine, you will need to tell the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with pneumococcal disease is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is low.

Common side effects of pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine may include:

• pain or swelling where a shot was given;

• muscle or joint pain;

• headache; or

• feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You should not receive this vaccine if you ever had a severe allergic reaction to a pneumococcal or diphtheria toxoid vaccine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive this vaccine if you ever had a severe allergic reaction to a pneumococcal or diphtheria toxoid vaccine.

Tell the vaccination provider if you have:

• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine); or

• if you are receiving radiation or chemotherapy.

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 should I take pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine?

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle.

Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine is usually given as 1 shot.

Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis:

0.5 mL IM once as a single dose

Comments:
-Use for the prevention of pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F, and 33F is approved under accelerated approval based on immune responses as measured by opsonophagocytic activity assay. Continued approval may depend on verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

Use: For active immunization for the prevention of pneumonia caused by S pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis:

Vaccination Schedule for Patients 6 Weeks Through 15 Months of Age: 0.5 mL IM for 4 doses, given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 through 15 months of age

Catch-Up Vaccination Schedule for Unvaccinated Patients 7 Months through 17 Years of Age:
-Age 7 through 11 months at first dose: 0.5 mL IM for 3 doses
---The first 2 doses: Given at least 4 weeks apart
---The third dose: Given after the first birthday and at least 2 months after the second dose
-Age 12 through 23 months at first dose: 0.5 mL IM for 2 doses, given at least 2 months apart
-Age 24 months and older at first dose: 0.5 mL IM once

Catch-Up Vaccination Schedule for Patients Previously Vaccinated With At Least 1 Dose of a Lower Valency Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine:
-Age 15 months through 17 years: 0.5 mL IM once, at least 8 weeks after the last dose of the lower valency vaccine

Comments:
-First dose may be given as early as 6 weeks of age.
-There should be at least 2 months between the 3rd and 4th dose.

Uses:
-For active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by S pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F in individuals 6 weeks and older
-For active immunization for the prevention of otitis media caused by S pneumoniae serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F in individuals 6 weeks through 5 years of age

What happens if I miss a dose?

Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine is used 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 while taking pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine?

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

What other drugs will affect pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine?

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; or

• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

• Your vaccination provider, pharmacist, or doctor can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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