There are two types of pneumococcal vaccinations, namely PCV13 and PCV20. PPV23 is no longer recommended for use.
PCV13 is used in the routine childhood schedule, and the PCV20 is used for people aged 65 years and older and those with a clinical condition.
Routine Vaccination Schedules
A single dose of pneumococcal PCV20 vaccine is offered to:
- all adults aged 65 years and older
- patients in clinical risk groups (Green Book Table 25.2) aged 2 years and older.
These patients are sent an invitation letter by Health and Social Care Partnership Vaccination Teams.
Non-Routine Schedule
Patients with the following conditions need a different pneumococcal schedule with additional doses of PCV20 depending on their age and clinical condition:
- Asplenia
- splenic dysfunction
- complement disorder
- severe immunocompromise.
More information on schedules can be found in Green Book Table 25.3.
Please note that they should be referred initially at point of diagnosis (via non-routine vaccination referral) to help with timely vaccination. However, they will then be routinely included in PHS cohorts for invitations.
Non-routine vaccination referrals are needed for the following patient groups:
- Those aged under 2 with asplenia, splenic dysfunction, complement disorder or severe immunocompromise
- Those aged 2 and over with severe immunocompromise.
Re-vaccination every five years is recommended only for those with asplenia, splenic dysfunction or chronic renal disease. For more information on eligibility, please see the Green Book Chapter 25. Some patients will require expedited vaccination of pneumococcal to co-ordinate delivery with other treatment such as chemotherapy, or to administer in advance of anticipated immunosuppression or procedure. Please see the Non-Routine Vaccinations page for additional information and the referral form.
C.M & K.McK 23-03-26
