Pneumonia vaccine protection

Pneumonia Protection: Are You Getting the Right Shots?

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding PCV13 and PPV23 Vaccines for Adults at Risk"

Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs that can lead to hospitalization and even death, especially for older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Fortunately, vaccines are available to help protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, the most common type of bacterial pneumonia.

Two main vaccines are used to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia: the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23). While both vaccines protect against different strains of the bacteria, understanding their specific benefits and who should receive them is crucial.

This article aims to provide a clear and concise overview of PCV13 and PPV23, focusing on the latest research and recommendations for adults at increased risk of pneumococcal disease. We'll break down the key findings from recent studies presented at scientific conferences, offering practical insights to help you make informed decisions about your health.

PCV13 vs. PPV23: Which Pneumonia Vaccine is Right for You?

Both PCV13 (Prevnar 13) and PPV23 (Pneumovax 23) are designed to protect against pneumococcal disease, but they work differently and target different populations. PCV13 protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria, while PPV23 protects against 23 types. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends specific use cases for each vaccine based on age and health conditions.

A study highlighted at a recent infectious disease conference examined the uptake of PCV13 among high-risk adults aged 19-64 years following the ACIP's 2012 recommendation. The study, using data from both administrative health claims and electronic health records, revealed surprisingly low vaccination rates: less than 15% of recommended high-risk patients received PCV13 in the four years after the recommendation.

High-Risk Groups: Adults with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and a weakened immune system are at higher risk for pneumococcal disease.
Low Uptake: The study indicated that many at-risk adults are not receiving the recommended PCV13 vaccine, potentially leaving them vulnerable to infection.
Spillover Effect: Interestingly, the study noted that vaccination rates among this high-risk group increased slightly after the 2014 recommendation for all adults aged 65 and older, suggesting a "spillover effect" where increased awareness benefited younger at-risk individuals.

Another study presented at the conference explored the cost-effectiveness of PCV13 compared to PPV23 in the Netherlands. The research used a sophisticated model to assess the value of vaccinating specific age and risk groups. Results showed that vaccinating all adults at increased risk with PCV13 was cost-effective, but the most value for money came from targeting individuals with underlying diseases aged less than 85 years. In particular, vaccinating high-risk individuals under 65 with PCV13 was actually cost-saving compared to PPV23.

Take Control of Your Pneumonia Risk

Pneumonia can be a serious threat, but vaccination offers a powerful defense. Talk to your doctor about whether PCV13 or PPV23 is right for you, especially if you are over 65 or have underlying health conditions. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the risks of pneumococcal disease.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is pneumococcal pneumonia and why is it a concern?

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs, particularly dangerous for older adults and those with existing health problems. The severity of this condition can lead to hospitalization or even death, making it essential to consider preventive measures like vaccination. Understanding the risks associated with pneumococcal pneumonia underscores the importance of proactive health decisions, such as consulting with your doctor about appropriate vaccinations.

What are the differences between PCV13 and PPV23?

PCV13, or the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, protects against 13 strains of the pneumococcal bacteria. PPV23, the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, offers protection against 23 strains. Both vaccines are designed to prevent pneumococcal disease, but they achieve this protection through different mechanisms and target distinct populations. The ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) provides specific guidelines on which vaccine is most appropriate, based on age and health conditions.

Who is considered at higher risk for pneumococcal disease?

Adults with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk for pneumococcal disease. The studies showed that many individuals in these high-risk groups are not receiving the recommended PCV13 vaccine. This is a concern because these individuals are more vulnerable to severe complications from pneumococcal pneumonia. Being aware of these risks and discussing them with your healthcare provider is vital for those with underlying health conditions.

What is the 'spillover effect' in the context of these vaccines?

The spillover effect refers to how increased awareness and uptake of PCV13 among adults aged 65 and older positively influenced vaccination rates in younger, at-risk adults. When the recommendation for PCV13 vaccination expanded to include all adults aged 65 and older in 2014, it led to a slight increase in vaccination rates among high-risk individuals aged 19-64. This suggests that broader public health initiatives can benefit a wider range of individuals, underscoring the interconnectedness of public health strategies.

What did the cost-effectiveness study reveal about PCV13 and PPV23?

The cost-effectiveness study in the Netherlands indicated that vaccinating high-risk adults with PCV13 was a cost-effective strategy. The most cost-effective approach was vaccinating individuals with underlying diseases who are under 85 years old. Furthermore, vaccinating high-risk individuals under 65 with PCV13 was actually cost-saving compared to PPV23. This analysis provides a valuable perspective on the financial implications of different vaccination strategies, highlighting the potential for PCV13 to be a cost-effective means of preventing pneumococcal disease, especially in vulnerable populations.