What is Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)?
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniaebacteria that can affect different parts of the body. It can cause pneumonia(lung infection), meningitis(infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), bacteremia(blood infection), and ear or sinus infections. While it can affect anyone, it is most serious in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions, often leading to hospitalization or life-threatening complications. Symptoms vary by infection type but can include fever, cough, chest pain, headache, stiff neck, and confusion. The disease is preventable with vaccination, which helps reduce severe illness and death.
FAQ About Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) Vaccine
Who needs to get the pneumococcal vaccine?
In British Columbia, the pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for several groups:
- All infants and young children as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule
- Adults aged 65 and older
- People of any age with certain health conditions that increase their risk, such as chronic heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, or cochlear implants
- Smokers, particularly if over 50 years of age
- Individuals working with occupational risks such as long-term exposure to metal fumes (i.e. welders, metal smelters, foundry workers, mining and refinery workers, etc.)
- Individuals living in communities with high rates of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)
- May also be advised for residents of long-term care facilities or others at higher risk of severe pneumococcal infections.
What is the vaccine schedule?
- Infants and young children: As of 2025, the routine infant schedule now use the 20‑valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20). Healthy infants receive 3 doses at 2, 4, and 12 months of age.
- Children at higher risk for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) due to medical conditions receive 4 doses at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age.
- If vaccine series was started with an earlier conjugate product (like PCV13), it can be completed with PCV20.
- Older children and adults at increased risk: Individuals 5 years of age and older who are at increased risk of serious pneumococcal infection (due to health conditions) should receive one dose of PCV20.
- Healthy adults 65 years and older: One dose of PCV20 is recommended.
I've already received an older pneumococcal vaccine; do I need to get the Prevnar-20?
Adults 65+ who have received an older pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13 or PPV23) previously, may still receive one dose of PCV20 at least one year after the last pneumococcal vaccination for broader protection against strains not covered by the previous vaccine.
Is the vaccine safe and what are the possible side effects?
Prevnar 20 commonly causes mild, short-lived side effects such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, along with fatigue, headache, muscle or joint aches, chills, and a low-grade fever; some people may also experience decreased appetite, nausea, or swollen lymph nodes. Rarely, more serious reactions can occur, including high fever or a severe allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face and throat), which require immediate medical attention.
Is the vaccine covered by MSP or private insurance?
Yes, Prevnar 20 is now publicly funded in British Columbia, but only for people who meet the eligibility criteria.
- As of July 2025, BC replaced older pneumococcal vaccines with Prevnar 20 in its public immunization program.
- It is provided free through the provincial program for:
- Infants and children (routine schedule)
- Children and adults with certain high-risk medical conditions
- Older adults aged 65 and up, depending on health status and vaccination history
However, it is not universally free for everyone:
- Healthy adults who don't meet eligibility criteria may need to pay privately
Some private insurance or extended healthcare plans may cover all or part of the cost of the vaccine. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider to confirm whether the Prevnar-20 vaccine is included in your benefits plan. You can also call us with your private insurance, and we can inform you whether it is covered by your plan.
If you are unsure whether you meet the criteria for publicly funded vaccination, please give us a call at our clinic and we can go through the eligibility criteria with you.
Do I need a prescription from my doctor?
No prescription is required for the following individuals:
- Infants and young children as part of routine childhood vaccination
- Adults aged 50 and above, who are smokers, work with occupational risks, or live in communities with high rates of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)
- Adults aged 50 and above, who are at increased risk of IPD (chronic medical condition, immunocompromised, etc.)
- Healthy older adults aged 65 and above
Prescription may be needed for the following individuals:
- Individuals below age 50, who are at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (chronic medical condition, immunocompromised, etc.)
For children under the age of 4, please call the clinic directly as we will need to book your child in with one of our registered nurses.
Additional Vaccines Available at Our Clinic
​Hepatitis A & B Vaccines
​Protect yourself against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, viruses that can cause serious liver infection and are common risks during international travel.
​RSV Vaccine
The RSV vaccine helps protect older adults and high-risk individuals from respiratory syncytial virus, which can cause serious lung infections.
​HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus, a common virus linked to cervical cancer and several other cancers.
Routine Vaccines
Stay up to date with recommended routine vaccines to protect yourself and your family from preventable diseases.
