1. There are two different kinds of pneumococcal vaccines — pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPVs). PCVs are vaccines based on chemical coupling of S. pneumoniae to an immunogenic protein carrier, which enhances antibody response and induces immune memory in young infants as opposed to PPVs which are associated with poor immunogenicity in children < 2 years.
2. PCV vaccines vary in the number of pneumococcal serotypes included and the proteins used for conjugation.
3. Prevenar 13 is the 13vPCV that has been registered in Australia since 2010 and used in the National Immunisation Program since July 2011.
4. Completion of a primary course of PCV with the same formulation is generally preferred — however if vaccination has commenced with a 10vPCV (e.g. overseas), completion of the course with a 13vPCV is acceptable. Refer to The Australian Immunisation Handbook.
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