Prevenar 20 is a 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine used to protect against invasive pneumococcal diseases and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. In adults, it is typically given as a single injection; in children and adolescents, the number of injections depends on age and prior vaccination history. It covers 20 pneumococcal serotypes and is administered by intramuscular injection in the thigh (infants) or upper arm (older children and adults). It is prescribed and supplied under a medical indication, with guidance on use available in the package leaflet and from healthcare professionals.
Key points by population
- Infants and young children (from 6 weeks old): commonly part of sequential immunization schedules to prevent invasive disease, pneumonia, and acute otitis media caused by the 20 serotypes included. Dosing depends on age and prior vaccines.
- Adults (65 years and older, and others at risk): provides protection against invasive disease and pneumonia caused by the 20 serotypes; typically a single dose in adults, with recommendations varying by national guidance.
- Safety and precautions: contraindications include known severe allergic reactions to a previous dose or any component of the vaccine, or a diphtheria-containing vaccine component. Providers advise on timing relative to current illnesses or fever and monitor for post-vaccination reactions.
Practical considerations
- Availability and administration: requires a prescription and is administered as an intramuscular injection; the exact schedule in a given country may depend on local immunization guidelines.
- Efficacy and scope: protects against 20 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, reducing risk of meningitis, bacteremia, sepsis, pneumonia, and acute otitis media associated with those serotypes.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific country’s guidelines or provide a side-by-side comparison with previous pneumococcal vaccines (e.g., PCV13, PCV15) and the clinical considerations for switching or starting Prevenar 20 in different age groups.
