What are the types of subsidised pneumococcal vaccines available for adults?
There are three types of subsidised pneumococcal vaccines:
20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20)
13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)
23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
Under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), persons who are recommended for pneumococcal vaccination can either receive (i) PCV20, or (ii) PCV13 and/or PPSV23.
PCV13 protects against 13 pneumococcal bacteria strains that most commonly cause pneumococcal disease, while the PPSV23 protects against 23 strains. PCV13 when given before PPSV23, provides extended protection in a selected group of patients, as compared to giving PPSV23 alone.
PCV20 provides coverage against 20 pneumococcal bacteria strains, including all 13 serotypes in PCV13, plus 7 additional serotypes. Under the NAIS, only one dose of PCV20 is recommended regardless of age or conditions.
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