There are two vaccines used in the pneumococcal immunisation programme.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)

The PCV is given to given to children as part of the routine immunisation schedule at the following intervals:

• a first dose at 12 weeks of age
• a second booster dose between 12 to 13 months of age

The vaccine protects against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacterium.

It is known by the brand name Prevenar 13.

It is normally given at the same time as the Hib/MenC, MMR and MenB vaccines.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV)

The Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPV) (external website) is routinely used in Scotland and it protects against 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria.

PPV is given to children and adults who are at high risk from severe disease and death, including:

• adults aged 65 years and over
• children and adults with asplenia
• children and adults with severe organ dysfunction, such as chronic heart or respiratory disease.
• children and adults who are immunosuppressed as a result of medications or disease.
• children and adults with cochlear implants (a specific hearing device)
• children and adults with cerebrospinal fluid leaks

Chapter 25 of the UKHSA’s green book provides the full list of clinical risk groups who should receive PPV.

Most high-risk groups and adults aged 65 and over only require one dose of PPV.

However, people with certain medical conditions such as splenic dysfunction and chronic renal disease may require a booster dose every five years.

PPV vaccine can be given at the same time as the shingles vaccine [link to new shingles page].