Drug updated on 4/17/2024
| Dosage Form | Injection (intramuscular/subcutaneous; 0.5 mL) |
| Drug Class | Vaccines |
| Ongoing and Completed Studies | ClinicalTrials.gov |
Indication
- Indicated for the active immunization for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by the 23 serotypes contained in the vaccine (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, and 33F).
Summary
- Pneumovax 23 (pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent) is indicated for the active immunization for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by specific serotypes contained in the vaccine.
- Six studies were reviewed, providing insights into Pneumovax 23's use across different populations and its comparison to newer pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs).
- Compared to PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20, Pneumovax 23 shows lower effectiveness against pneumococcus pneumonia but similar utility in preventing invasive pneumococcal diseases.
- For workers exposed to welding fumes who are at increased risk of IPD, a dose of PPSV23 is recommended, with consideration towards using newer recombinant formulas for broader protection.
- In adults living with HIV or undergoing dialysis treatment, combining vaccinations such as influenza vaccination along with timing strategies can improve outcomes, including reduced all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events.
- Elderly individuals over age 65 may experience additional benefits from receiving this vaccination beyond direct infection prevention due to decreased risk for some cardiovascular events.
Product Monograph / Prescribing Information
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pneumovax (pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent) Prescribing Information. | 2023 | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ |
Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses
Clinical Practice Guidelines
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pneumococcal vaccination - a literature review and practice guideline update. | 2022 | Pharmacotherapy |
| Canadian Association of Gastroenterology clinical practice guideline for immunizations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—part 2: inactivated vaccines. | 2021 | Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology |
| Use of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine among adults aged ≥65 years: updated recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices. | 2019 | US Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| 2019 update of EULAR recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases. | 2019 | Annals of Rheumatic Disease |
| Adult vaccination for pneumococcal disease: a comparison of the national guidelines in Europe. | 2019 | European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases |