Pneumococcal Vaccines

Vaxneuvance® (PNEU-C-15) and Prevnar™20 (PNEU-C-20)

Pneumococcal Disease

Pneumococcal disease is caused by different strains of the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is spread through respiratory droplets from direct or indirect contact. Anyone can get a pneumococcal infection. Infections can lead to meningitis, serious blood infections (sepsis), pneumonia (lung infection), ear infections or sinus infections.

The disease can be serious in children under two years of age, people with certain medical conditions or other risk factors, and adults 65 years of age or older.  Vaccination is the best protection.

Vaccine Benefits

Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for routine immunization of infants, children and adults, as well as those who are at higher risk of getting very sick from an infection. Pneumococcal vaccines (Vaxneuvance® (PNEU-C-15) and Prevnar™20 (PNEU-C-20) are approved by Health Canada and are safe and effective.   Prevnar™20 is a vaccine that protect against 20 different strains while Vaxneuvance® protects against 15 strains. The vaccines work by helping the body to make its own antibodies. The vaccines provide 70 to 95 per cent protection against severe disease in someone with a weakened immune system.

Vaccine Side Effects and Risks

The vaccine is generally well tolerated. Vaccine side effects are usually mild and last one to two days. Common reactions include soreness, redness and/or swelling where the vaccine was given, fever, drowsiness, loss of appetite, headache, muscle or joint ache, chills and/or fussiness (irritability) – infants only.

In rare cases, serious reactions such as trouble breathing, rash, swelling in the throat and face may occur and can be treated. These rare occurrences are usually temporary. Please stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after vaccination so staff can monitor for any reactions.

People Who Should Get a Pneumococcal Vaccine

Pneumococcal vaccines are free (publicly funded) for the following groups.

  • Vaxneuvance® (PNEU-C-15) is routinely given to:
    • Infants at two, four and 12 months of age
  • Prevnar™20 (PNEU-C-20) is given to:
    • Adults 65 years or older
    • Infants and children ages six weeks to four years old who are at higher risk and have not completed their pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate (PNEU-C-13) immunization series can receive PNEU-C-20 instead of PNEU-C-15
    • Infants and children ages six weeks to 17 years old who are at higher risk and have completed their pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate (PNEU-C-13) immunization series*
    • Individuals ages five to 64 years old with certain chronic health conditions
    • Close contacts during outbreak situations including homeless and underhoused individuals

* No additional doses are needed for children who have already received at least one dose of PNEU-C-20.

These vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines including influenza and COVID-19.

They are only given to individuals who have not previously had a pneumococcal vaccine series. Talk to your health care provider to determine your vaccine eligibility.

People Who Should Not Get the Vaccine

  • Have had a severe reaction to a pneumococcal containing vaccine.
  • Have an allergy to polysorbate.
  • People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover. However, a mild fever or upper respiratory infection (for example having a cold) is not a reason to delay vaccination.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, talk to your health care provider before receiving this vaccine.

More Information

  • Talk to your health care provider or Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600
  • Call 811 to connect to a registered nurse day or night for free, secure, and confidential health advice.