Pneumococcal PCV15

About Pneumococcal PCV15

PCV15 Vaxneuvance by Merck and PCV20 Prevnar 20 by Pfizer were licensed for adults in 2021 and later for children, expanding protection against more pneumococcal serotypes. Prevnar 20 covers 20 serotypes compared to the 13 in the original Prevnar 13. Pneumococcus has over 100 serotypes, and serotype replacement, where non vaccine serotypes fill the ecological niche, drives the need for broader vaccines. Which pneumococcal vaccines are used, and for whom, is decided by national health authorities and varies by country. The development of higher valency vaccines demonstrates how pneumococcal vaccine technology continues to evolve. However, each additional serotype increases manufacturing complexity and cost. The Gavi Alliance supports PCV introduction in developing countries through the AMC, which has negotiated lower prices.