Pneumonia Vaccines
Pneumonia is one of the most serious respiratory infections affecting adults and children. As a result, it often leads to hospital stays, long recovery times, and lost work days. While several microorganisms can cause it, the most common and preventable type is pneumococcal pneumonia. This infection is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Thus, Affinity Vaccines offers a complete range of pneumococcal vaccines—PCV13, PCV15, PCV20, and PPSV23—to help protect employees and dependents from severe respiratory infections. Additionally, all vaccines comply with World Health Organization (WHO) and Philippine Department of Health (DOH) recommendations.
A. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCV Series)
Conjugate vaccines provide long-term protection. However, polysaccharide vaccines (like PPSV23) protect against a broader range of serotypes. Although this is beneficial, PPSV23 provide shorter-lived immunity.
1. PCV13 – Prevenar 13® (Pfizer)
Formulation:
Pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (adsorbed). Specifically, it contains capsular polysaccharide antigens of 13 S. pneumoniae serotypes (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 23F).
Packaging:
0.5 mL single-dose pre-filled syringe.
Dosage and Administration:
- Infants and children (6 weeks to 15 months): 3 doses per pediatric schedule; and 1 booster dose on or before reaching 2 years old
- Children 2 years and older: Single dose, no booster dose needed
- Adults aged 18 years and older: Single 0.5 mL dose IM (deltoid muscle).
Indications:
Active protection against invasive pneumococcal disease, pneumonia, and ear infections. Specifically, it targets infections caused by S. pneumoniae serotypes contained in the vaccine.
Contraindications:
- Allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or to diphtheria toxoid.
- Moderate or severe illness with fever. In this case, postpone vaccination until recovery.
Storage / Cold Chain Requirement:
- Store between +2°C and +8°C.
- Do not freeze.
- Additionally, protect from light.
Manufacturer:
Pfizer, Inc., USA
2. PCV15 – Vaxneuvance® (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
Formulation:
Pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine. Specifically, it contains polysaccharides from S. pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F. Furthermore, these are conjugated to CRM197 carrier protein.
Packaging:
Single-dose pre-filled syringe (0.5 mL).
Dosage and Administration:
- Adults aged 18 years and above: One 0.5 mL IM dose.
- In some cases, a dose may be followed by PPSV23 one year later, based on medical assessment.
Indications:
Prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia. Specifically, it protects against infections caused by vaccine serotypes in adults.
Contraindications:
- Allergic reaction to diphtheria toxoid or any vaccine component.
- Also, defer vaccination during acute illness or fever.
Storage / Cold Chain Requirement:
- Store at +2°C to +8°C.
- Do not freeze.
- Additionally, protect from light.
Manufacturer:
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (MSD), USA
3. PCV20 – Prevenar 20® (Pfizer)
Formulation:
Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine, providing protection against 20 S. pneumoniae serotypes. Specifically, it includes the 13 from Prevenar 13® plus seven additional serotypes (8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F, and 33F).
Packaging:
0.5 mL single-dose pre-filled syringe.
Dosage and Administration:
- Infants 6 weeks old to 15 months old: 3 doses; 2 months apart, 1 booster dose before 2 years old.
- Adults 18 years and older: One 0.5 mL IM dose (no booster required).
- As a result, it may replace PCV13 + PPSV23 sequence as a single complete dose.
Indications:
Prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia. Specifically, it protects against the 20 included serotypes in adults.
Contraindications:
- Allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine, including diphtheria toxoid.
- Also, defer vaccination during acute illness.
Storage / Cold Chain Requirement:
- Maintain between +2°C and +8°C.
- Do not freeze.
- Additionally, keep in original packaging to protect from light.
Manufacturer:
Pfizer, Inc., USA
B. Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)
Polysaccharide vaccines protect against a broader range of pneumococcal serotypes. However, they provide shorter-lived immunity compared to conjugate vaccines. Therefore, we commonly recommend PPSV23 for older adults and high-risk groups.
4. Pneumovax 23® (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
Formulation:
Pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine. Specifically, it contains purified capsular polysaccharides from 23 S. pneumoniae serotypes.
Packaging:
0.5 mL single-dose vial or pre-filled syringe.
Dosage and Administration:
- Adults aged 50 years and older: Single 0.5 mL administered intramuscularly
- High-risk adults (e.g., chronic illness, smokers, weakened immune system): One dose. Additionally, it may be repeated after 5 years upon medical advice.
Indications:
Active protection for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by the 23 vaccine serotypes. In many cases, physicians give this vaccine after a conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or PCV15) for extended serotype coverage.
Contraindications:
- Allergic reaction to vaccine components.
- Also, defer vaccination during moderate or severe illness.
Storage / Cold Chain Requirement:
- Store between +2°C and +8°C.
- Do not freeze.
- Additionally, protect from light.
Manufacturer:
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (MSD), USA
Vaccine Selection and Recommendations
Target Group | Recommended Vaccine(s) |
Infants and young children | PCV 20 (or PCV 13/ PCV 15) |
Adults 18–49 years | PCV20 only (or PCV 13/15) |
Adults 50 years and older | PCV20 only or sequential PCV15 (or PCV 13) + PPSV23 |
High-risk adults (chronic illness, smokers, diabetics, immunocompromised) | PCV20 only or PCV15 followed by PPSV23 |
Corporate dependents / elderly parents | PCV20 (preferred single-dose option) |
Affinity Vaccines Recommendation:
Whenever possible, use PCV20 for adults as a single comprehensive vaccination that covers the broadest range of pneumococcal serotypes without the need for a follow-up PPSV23 dose.
Cold Chain and Handling Assurance
Affinity Vaccines stores, transports, and administers all pneumococcal vaccines under strict cold-chain monitoring.
Vaccinations are administered by licensed physicians and nurses, with proper documentation and post-vaccination observation.
Protect Your People. Protect Your Business. Strengthen Your Organization.
Affinity Vaccines offers corporate pneumonia vaccination programs designed to reduce hospitalizations, absenteeism, and HMO utilization related to respiratory infections.
Our Corporate Program Management Team ensures safe handling, transparent pricing, and professional on-site administration for both employees and dependents.
📩 Request for a Corporate Vaccination Proposal
Email: vaccines@affinity.com.ph