Pneumococcal vaccination guidelines in different countries
Pneumococcal infections can cause serious illnesses, posing a particular threat to older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic conditions. To reduce the risk of such infections, many public health authorities worldwide have adopted the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) as a primary measure and incorporated it into their national immunization programs.¹,² The 20-valent vaccine covers 20 invasive pneumococcal serotypes, offering broader protection.³ As a conjugate vaccine, PCV20 helps promote immune memory and induces a long-lasting immune response.⁴ Its single-dose design also simplifies clinical workflows and improves vaccination rates.⁵ The widespread international adoption of PCV20 reflects strong confidence in its safety, efficacy, and public health value.
International Recommendations on PCV20 Usage1,2, 6-9
*Including France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, etc.
References
- CDC. Pneumococcal Vaccination. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/index.html Accessed Nov 2025
- ECDC. Pneumococcal disease: Recommended vaccinations. Available at: https://vaccine-schedule.ecdc.europa.eu/Scheduler/ByDisease?SelectedDiseaseId=25&SelectedCountryIdByDisease=-1 Accessed Oct 2025.
- Prevenar® 20(Pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine, 20-valent adsorbed) Prescribing Information. Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited: Version July 2024.
- Pollard AJ, et al. Nat Rev Immunol 2009;9:213-220.
- https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20250904/bkn-20250904192235175-0904_00822_001.html Accessed Nov 2025
- Government of Canada. Pneumococcal vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-16-pneumococcal-vaccine.html Accessed Oct 2025.
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Pneumococcal disease. Available at: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/pneumococcal-disease Accessed Oct 2025.
- Chosun Biz. Korea launches free 20-valent pneumococcal vaccine for children in October. Available at: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-science/2025/08/04/6PZZYABUH5A3BP7XENETBRW6AI/ Accessed Oct 2025.
- ACE. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (15-valent and 20-valent) for the prevention of pneumococcal disease in adults. Available at: https://www.ace-hta.gov.sg/healthcare-professionals/ace-technology-guidances/drug-guidance/pneumococcal-conjugate-vaccines-(15-valent-and-20-valent)-for-the-prevention-of-pneumococcal-disease-in-adults Accessed Oct 2024.