Pneumococcal Disease Burden and Vaccine Opportunities: Q&A

The burden of pneumococcal disease remains a significant public health concern in the United States, particularly among older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions, despite decades of vaccination efforts.

Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacterium responsible for pneumococcal disease, can cause serious infections including pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia. While vaccines have reduced incidence in some populations, recent data show that disease burden persists, especially due to serotypes not covered by currently available vaccines.

According to a recent analysis discussed in a Pharmacy Times Q&A with infectious disease experts, the 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15) and the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20), both licensed in recent years, offer broader protection than the older 13-valent version (PCV13). These newer vaccines include additional serotypes responsible for a substantial proportion of invasive pneumococcal disease in adults.