Updated November 17, 2025
Effective June 2025, PCV20, a new pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar 20™; PIN 66128549), is now available in B.C. through the publicly funded pneumococcal immunization program.
PCV20 replaces both pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Prevnar® 13 (PCV13), and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, Pneumovax® 23 (PPV23) as part of routine pneumococcal immunization.
A new product page has been added for Prevnar 20™. The eligibility indications from PCV13 and PPV23 programs have been consolidated for BC’s PCV20 program. Specialty indications have been added to support clinical decision-making and align with NACI recommendations.
Highlights:
- PCV20 offers better protection compared to PCV13 and PPV23.
- Once PCV20 is received, PCV13 and PPV23 should no longer be used and should be returned as per your local public health standard procedure.
- PCV20 should be stored horizontally and should be resuspended (i.e., shaken well) prior to administration to ensure a homogenous suspension.
- Note that healthy individuals 65 years of age and older are only eligible for publicly funded PCV20 if not previously vaccinated with PCV20, PCV21 or PPV23.
For details, please refer to Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 20-valent (PCV20) Immunization Program Health Care Provider Q&A, located on BCCDC Immunization Clinical Resources webpage.
Updated resources:
- Publicly funded vaccines PIN table
- BCCDC Immunization Manual has been updated with this change, including Part 1 – Immunization Schedules and Part 2- Immunization of Special Populations
- BCCDC Part 4 – Biological Products (Vaccines & Immune Globulins) – Product specific information for pneumococcal vaccines
- Completing a Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Series
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 20-valent (PCV20) Immunization Program Health Care Provider Q&A.
- HealthLinkBC File for Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV20) vaccine.