Pneumococcal Vaccine

Medically reviewed

Last updated: 17 September 2026

The pneumococcal bacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, causes upper respiratory tract infections, ear infections and sinusitis, as well as complications such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. In terms of age, children under 5 and adults over 65 are at the highest risk of pneumococcal disease, but the incidence of these diseases begins to increase significantly already among people over 35. Newer types of pneumococcal vaccines are effective in people of all ages. The vaccine provides protection against various pneumococcal diseases and can also reduce pneumococcal carriage in the mucous membranes.

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Different types of pneumococcal vaccines

Six different pneumococcal vaccines are currently available in Finland. Five of these are conjugate vaccines (PCV10, PCV13, PCV15, PCV20 and PCV21), while one is a polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23). The vaccines differ in the number of pneumococcal serotypes they protect against, and there are also differences in the duration of protection provided by the vaccines. The number in the vaccine's name indicates how many different pneumococcal serotypes the vaccine protects against.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV10, PCV13, PCV15, PCV20 and PCV21) are newer types of pneumococcal vaccines. Conjugate vaccines provide long-term protection against pneumococcal diseases. They also protect the mucous membranes and the nasopharynx against pneumococcal carriage.

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) is the oldest type of pneumococcal vaccine. It provides protection against 23 of the most common pneumococcal serotypes, but the protection is relatively short-lived. The vaccine's protective effect lasts for approximately five years. The effectiveness of the polysaccharide vaccine against pneumonia is less well established than that of conjugate vaccines.

New PCV21 pneumococcal vaccine available for adults

The primary option for everyone over 18 is the PCV21 vaccine, which provides broad and long-lasting protection against different pneumococcal serotypes. The vaccine became available in Finland in 2025. It is administered as a single dose, and there is currently no information indicating a need for a booster dose.

The effectiveness of the new PCV21 vaccine is based on the protection it provides against the following pneumococcal serotypes: 3, 6A, 7F, 8, 9N, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15A, 15B, 16F, 17F, 19A, 20A, 22F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, 33F and 35B. There are 21 serotypes in total, eight of which are included only in the newer PCV21 vaccine.

PCV20 pneumococcal vaccine is suitable for children and adults

The primary option for people under 18 is the PCV20 vaccine. The vaccine can be given to infants from 6 weeks of age. It is also an alternative option for adults over 18 instead of the PCV21 vaccine.

PCV20 contains the same pneumococcal serotypes as PCV13, plus seven additional serotypes (serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F and 33F).

Pneumococcal vaccine: schedule and duration of protection in adults

The duration of protection provided by a pneumococcal vaccine varies depending on the vaccine used. Conjugate vaccines provide long-term protection and are generally administered as a single dose. The newest PCV21 and PCV20 pneumococcal vaccines can be used to supplement vaccines given previously. For example, if you have previously received the older PCV13 pneumococcal vaccine, you can receive the broader PCV21 or PCV20 vaccine no earlier than one year later. Over time, we will gain more information about the duration of protection and the need for booster doses.

The protective effect of the older PPV23 vaccine lasts for approximately five years. After this, we recommend receiving a new PCV21 or PCV20 vaccine. The absolute minimum interval between vaccines is one year.

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Pneumococcal vaccinations for children

At present, PCV20 is the most comprehensive pneumococcal conjugate vaccine available for children. The vaccine provides long-term protection against 20 different pneumococcal serotypes. The serotypes that cause severe forms of disease have changed in recent years, and PCV20 can therefore reduce a child's risk of developing serious pneumococcal disease.

The vaccine can be given from 6 weeks of age. Depending on the child's age, it is administered as a series of 1–3 doses.

As part of Finland's national vaccination programme, young children receive the PCV10 vaccine at child health clinics as a three-dose series.

Side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine

Typical vaccination reactions caused by the pneumococcal vaccine include local symptoms at the injection site, such as pain, warmth, redness, rash and swelling. These occur in up to one quarter of people who receive the vaccine. Other possible vaccination reactions include a general feeling of being unwell, fever and irritability. Symptoms usually appear within a couple of days after vaccination and resolve quickly.

Pneumococcal vaccine or pneumonia vaccine?

The pneumococcal vaccine is sometimes colloquially referred to as the “pneumonia vaccine.” However, the vaccine also protects against other diseases caused by pneumococcal bacteria, such as meningitis and sepsis.

Vaccination reduces antibiotic use and helps prevent antibiotic resistance

Infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria are treated with antibiotics. Patients who develop severe forms of the disease are treated in hospital with intravenous antibiotics. The treatment of pneumococcal diseases has become more difficult because antibiotic resistance among pneumococcal bacteria has increased.

By getting vaccinated against bacterial diseases such as pneumococcal disease, infections can be reduced and, at the same time, the use of antibiotics can be decreased. Vaccination also helps prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Tackling antibiotic resistance is extremely important because it makes bacterial infections more difficult and time-consuming to treat and increases mortality.

Sources: Our medical experts, CDC, THL and WHO

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Why choose Rokotepalvelu?

Rokotepalvelu is one of Finland’s leading private vaccination service providers. We operate in several cities with our vaccination clinics and mobile vaccination buses, making it easy for you to access vaccinations when and where you need them. Our vaccination and travel health specialists help ensure you receive the right protection for your needs. You’re welcome to visit us in the way that suits you best – with or without an appointment.

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