All children under age 2 years and other children who have certain conditions should get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. There is also a catch-up schedule for children younger than age 5 years who have not completed their initial vaccination series.

Pneumococcal disease can range from mild to very serious. About 1,500 cases of serious disease (blood infection, pneumonia with blood infection, and meningitis) occur each year in US children under age 5 years. These cases can cause death or lifelong disability, including deafness, brain damage, and limb amputation.

Although the incidence of pneumococcal disease among teens (adolescents) is the lowest of any age group, about 6.8 million children and adolescents age 2 to 18 years have chronic illnesses―diabetes or chronic heart, lung, liver, or kidney disorders―that place them at high risk for pneumococcal disease and related complications.

Vaccination is the best way to protect against pneumococcal disease.

There are currently 2 types of pneumococcal vaccines recommended for children in the US: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15, PCV20) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Both types of vaccines are safe and most side effects are mild and may include arm swelling or soreness that lasts 1-2 days.

Who Should Be Vaccinated?

  • All children under age 5 years with no previous pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) or incomplete PCV status should receive PCV15 or PCV20
  • Parents of children age 6-18 years with any of the following medical conditions should speak with a healthcare professional to determine if their child needs any additional pneumococcal vaccines:
    • Lung, heart, liver, or kidney disease
    • Asthma
    • Diabetes
    • Sickle cell disease
    • Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or damaged/absent spleen
    • Cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks

Pneumococcal vaccine can be given at the same time as influenza (flu) vaccine. CDC has additional guidance  about other vaccines that can be given at the same time as pneumococcal vaccines.

 

Updated September 2024

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention