PCV20 Launch in India: A Single Dose, Science-Driven Approach for Pneumococcal Disease Control - Video

Published On 2025-08-14T12:12:33+05:30 | Updated On 14 Aug 2025 12:49 PM IST

Overview

A next-generation pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, PCV20, a single-dose protection is now available in India marking a new milestone in adult immnunisation in India. This approach will aid in adult pneumococcal disease control.

With PCV20, we have single-dose solution that simplifies vaccination regime and expands protection without the need of additional doses in most adults.

India accounts for 23% of the global pneumonia burden—a serious disease causing nearly 6.8 million hospitalizations among older adults worldwide every year^1,2. Until now, pneumococcal vaccination involved a 2-dose regimen i.e. priming with PCV13 followed by PPSV23.

PCV20 is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that offers broad serotype coverage against 20 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae—the bacteria responsible for pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia.

Built on the proven PCV13 platform, PCV20 adds seven additional serotypes^3,4 (8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F, and 33F) associated with severe disease, hospitalizations, antimicrobial resistance, and mortality—offering strong and wider protection^5-28.

PCV20 uses the same CRM197 carrier protein and manufacturing excellence as PCV13. Immunobridging trials, a regulatory method that infers a new vaccine’s efficacy by comparing its immune response to an approved vaccine, have shown PCV20 to be non-inferior to PCV13 and PPSV23 in immunogenicity in various clinical studies^5,29,30. PCV20 was well tolerated and has demonstrated similar safety profile as PCV13.

As per CDC-ACIP and Indian Consensus on Adult Immunisation recommend PCV20 as a single dose for all adults aged ≥50 years and older and those aged 19–49 years with chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus, chronic heart or lung diseases, chronic liver or kidney diseases, and immunocompromising conditions (cancer, HIV, AIRDs etc.)

With PCV20 now available in India, the country joins others worldwide in advancing adult pneumococcal vaccination through a simplified, single dose strategy⁴⁴.

PCV20 simplifies adult pneumococcal vaccination in India, offering broad protection with a single dose thereby reducing hospitalizations and saving lives.

References:

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Speakers

Dr. Bhumika Maikhuri

Dr Bhumika Maikhuri is an orthodontist with 2 years of clinical experience. She is also working as a medical writer and anchor at Medical Dialogues. She has completed her BDS from Dr D.Y. Patil Medical College and Hospital and MDS from Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences. She has a few publications and patents to her credit. Her diverse background in clinical dentistry and academic research uniquely positions her to contribute meaningfully to our team.