21-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Recommendations Updated

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today published updated recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding the use of 21-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Among U.S. Adults.

On September 12, 2024, the CDC's MMWR confirmed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) (PCV21; CAPVAXIVE; Merck Sharp & Dohme, LLC) for adults aged ≥18 years.

PCV21 does not contain certain serotypes that are included in other licensed pneumococcal vaccines but adds eight new serotypes. It is recommended for all adults aged ≥65 years and adults aged 19–64 years with certain risk conditions for pneumococcal disease if they have not received a PCV or whose vaccination history is unknown.

Previously, options included either 20-valent PCV (PCV20; Prevnar20; Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) alone or a 15-valent PCV (PCV15; VAXNEUVANCE; Merck Sharp & Dohme, LLC) in series with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23; Pneumovax23; Merck Sharp & Dohme, LLC).

Additional recommendations for the use of PCV20 exist for adults who started their pneumococcal vaccination series with 13-valent PCV (PCV13; Prevnar13; Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).

On June 27, 2024, ACIP recommended a single dose of PCV21 for adults aged ≥19 for whom PCV is currently recommended. Indications for PCV have not changed from previous recommendations.

This report summarizes the evidence considered for these recommendations and provides clinical guidance for using PCV21.

In the U.S., various healthcare providers offer pneumococcal vaccines.