The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on 4th that it plans to implement free vaccinations for the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) starting from Oct. 1.
The target group includes all infants aged 2 months to under 12 years and high-risk adolescents under 18 years; this is part of the national immunization program (NIP).
Pneumococcus is a major bacterial pathogen that causes various diseases such as otitis media, pneumonia, and meningitis in infants. It can cause invasive infections (Invasive Pneumococcal Disease, IPD) that threaten the lives of immunocompromised children, making vaccination very important.
So far, the national immunization program has supported vaccinations for children with the 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the 15-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV15).
The newly introduced PCV20 received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety last October. It includes an additional 5 serotypes (8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B) on top of the 15 serotypes included in the 15-valent vaccine (PCV15), allowing for protection against a total of 20 serotypes.
For healthy children, the vaccination schedule remains the same: a total of 3 vaccinations at 2, 4, and 6 months, followed by an additional vaccination at 12 to 15 months. Children who have already started vaccination with PCV13 can receive cross vaccination with PCV20. However, if vaccination was started with PCV15, it is recommended to complete the vaccination with the same vaccine.
High-risk children and adolescents who are vulnerable to infections due to immunodeficiency, chronic diseases, or cochlear implants are also eligible for PCV20 vaccination. For high-risk children and adolescents, the vaccination schedule varies according to their age and previous vaccination history, so they should follow a vaccination schedule that fits their situation. The upper age limit for high-risk children eligible for PCV20 support has been raised from the previous 12 years to 18 years.