The 13 pneumonia vaccine is PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine). This vaccine protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria. These bacteria can cause pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia.
Understanding PCV13
PCV13 is designed to protect against serious infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. This vaccine is especially important for:
- Young children
- Older adults
- Individuals with certain health conditions
PCV13 vs. PPSV23
It's important to distinguish PCV13 from another pneumococcal vaccine, PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine). While PCV13 protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria, PPSV23 protects against 23 types.
| Vaccine | Coverage |
|---|---|
| PCV13 | 13 types |
| PPSV23 | 23 types |
Your healthcare provider can advise you on the best pneumococcal vaccine schedule for you or your child based on age, health status, and risk factors.
