Korean J Fam Pract.  2024 Sep;14(3):121-125. 10.21215/kjfp.2024.14.3.121.

An Update on Pneumococcal Vaccination

• Lee J

• KMID: 2559903
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2024.14.3.121

Abstract

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of bacterial respiratory infections, and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Pneumococcal vaccines are effective to prevent pneumococcal infections, and new vaccines have recently been developed to enhance their preventive potency. New vaccines have been designed to protect against a broad range of pneumococcal serotypes and to elevate their efficacy against traditionally targeted serotypes. In 2021, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination, advising the use of new vaccines, 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) or PCV15, instead of PCV13. In Korea, PCV15 was introduced in 2024, along with guidelines recommending the administration of both PCV15 and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine at least one year apart. However, as PCV20 is expected to be introduced soon in Korea, a pneumococcal vaccination strategy must be established with guidance for overseas cases. Pneumococcal vaccination strategies for adults should be individualized based on age and underlying diseases. In addition, the impact of newly introduced vaccines should be considered. Furthermore, adaptive changes in IPD because of increased vaccination rates and antibiotic resistance should be carefully observed, and efforts should be made to develop vaccines that can effectively protect against dangerous serotypes.

Keyword

Streptococcus pneumoniae; Pneumococcal Vaccines; Pneumococcal Infections