Last reviewed · How we verify
Pneumococcal (vaccine)
A pneumococcal vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and cellular immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
A pneumococcal vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and cellular immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Used for Prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis), Prevention of pneumococcal otitis media and sinusitis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Pneumococcal (vaccine) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Prevnar, Prevenar, Pneumovax, vaccine with pneumococcal polysaccharides of 13 different serotypes conjugated to a protein (Prevnar13), 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine |
| Sponsor | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Drug class | vaccine |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The vaccine contains pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens (or conjugated polysaccharide-protein complexes in newer formulations) that trigger both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. This priming enables the immune system to rapidly recognize and eliminate pneumococcal pathogens upon natural exposure, preventing invasive pneumococcal disease including pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis.
Approved indications
- Prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis)
- Prevention of pneumococcal otitis media and sinusitis
Common side effects
- Injection site pain, erythema, or swelling
- Fever
- Myalgia or fatigue
- Headache
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Learn How Effective is PCV20 to Help Stop Adults Who Have a Higher Chance of Getting Pneumonia
- Influence of Methotrexate Discontinuation on Immunogenicity After PCV-20 Vaccine in Patients ARDs (PHASE4)
- A Clinical Study of Novel Pneumococcal Vaccine V118C in Children (V118C-002) (PHASE1)
- Nasopharyngeal Carriage of S. Pneumoniae (NA)
- Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of VAX-31 in Adults ≥50 Years With Prior Pneumococcal Vaccination (PHASE3)
- Dose-Ranging Study to Evaluate a 25-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PHASE2)
- Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of VAX-31 in Adults ≥50 Years With Immunobridging to Adults 18-49 (PHASE3)
- Safety and Efficacy of wSp Vaccine in Young Children (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |