Pneumococcal diseases, caused by the bacterium
Streptococci pneumoniae
, can result in a variety of illnesses depending on the part of the body they invade. These can range from pneumonia when they invade the lungs, to meningitis when they invade the brain, bacteremia when they invade the blood, and ear infection when they invade the ears.
These diseases can be serious and often require medical intervention. Luckily, there are several vaccines available that help provide immunity against these diseases. In this article, we'll focus on two of these vaccines: PCV 13 and PPSV 23.
Understanding PCV 13
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 13 (PCV 13) is known as a subunit vaccine. This type of vaccine combines a weak antigen with a strong one to elicit a stronger immune response against the weaker antigen.
The PCV 13 vaccine provides protection against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria, which are known to cause diseases like
pneumonia
and meningitis. The vaccine can be used in routine immunisations for people of all ages, from children to adults and the elderly. However, the appropriate dosage should be discussed with a healthcare provider first.
Several brands offer this vaccine in injection form, such as Vaxigrip by Sanofi Pasteur, and Pneumo 13 by Serum Institute of India.
The Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine 23 (PPSV 23) was the first pneumococcal vaccine to be discovered. Unlike PCV 13, PPSV 23 is recommended for children or adults with serious threats, and not in routine vaccination schedules.
PPSV 23 provides protection against 23 types of pneumococcal disease-causing bacteria. It's a polysaccharide vaccine that contains a purified capsular polysaccharide antigen from the bacteria.
Comparing PCV 13 and PPSV 23
PCV 13
PPSV 23
Description
PCV 13 stands for Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 13.
PPSV 23 stands for Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine 23.
Protection
PCV 13 provides protection against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
PPSV 23 protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
Vaccination Frequency
PCV 13 can be administered as part of routine immunisation for both children and adults.
PPSV 23 is recommended only for children or adults who are at a high risk of pneumococcal diseases.
Side Effects
Side effects of PCV 13 may include redness, pain and swelling at the injection site, as well as fever, fatigue and muscle pain.
PPSV 23 has mild side effects, such as local reactions, muscle ache and
fever
.
Commercial Example
Vaxigrip
Pneumovax 23
Method of Administration
PCV 13 is administered via intramuscular injection.
PPSV 23 can be administered either intramuscularly or subcutaneously.
The Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practises (ACIP) recommends a gap of at least one year between the two doses. Prevnar 13 should be taken as the first dose and Pneumovax 23 as the second dose in individuals upto 65 years of age.
What if the PCV vaccine is missed?
If a PCV vaccine is missed in a child’s vaccination calendar, the parents should discuss with their doctors to take the dose as soon as possible.
Test Series
66.6k Students
SBI PO 2025-26 (Prelims + Mains + Descriptive) Mock Test Series - New