Key points
- CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for many adults based on age, having certain risk conditions, and pneumococcal vaccines already received.
- Talk to a healthcare provider about what's best for your specific situation.
Vaccines you may need
In the United States, there are 2 types of vaccines recommended to help prevent pneumococcal disease:
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs)
- PCV15
- PCV20
- PCV15
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine
- PPSV23
- PPSV23
Adults who never received a PCV
CDC recommends PCV15 or PCV20 for adults who never received a PCV and are
- Ages 65 years or older
- Ages 19 through 64 years old with certain risk conditions
If PCV15 is used, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23.
Adults who received PCV7 or PCV13
Adults who received an earlier PCV (PCV7 or PCV13) should talk with a vaccine provider. The provider can explain available options to complete the pneumococcal vaccine series.
Additional choices for older adults
Adults 65 years or older have the option to get PCV20 if they've already received both of the following:
- PCV13 (but not PCV15 or PCV20) at any age
- PPSV23 at or after the age of 65 years old
These adults can talk with a vaccine provider and decide, together, whether to get PCV20.
What vaccines do I need?
Resources
Pneumococcal Vaccine Information Statements
PCV: English | Other languages
PPSV23: English | Other languages
Other resources
Cochlear implants and vaccination recommendations
Pneumococcal disease in adults and the vaccines to prevent it
Vaccine schedule: Easy-to-read schedule for adults (19 years and older)