Information on Pneumococcal Vaccination in Denia

We would like to inform you that the Prevenar 13 vaccine is currently no longer available.

Since 2024, the STIKO (Standing Committee on Vaccination) has recommended vaccination against pneumococcus (a common cause of pneumonia, middle ear infections and sinusitis) with the new vaccine Prevenar 20.

Patients at risk for invasive pneumococcal infections include adults aged 60+ (the incidence rate increases sharply with age) and patients with chronic diseases:

• Cardiovascular diseases (3- to 7-fold increased risk)
• COPD/Asthma (5- to 17-fold increased risk)
• Diabetes (2- to 5-fold increased risk)
• Patients with systemic autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatism, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, temporal arteritis, myalgia rheumatica, myasthenia gravis, etc.)
• Patients with liver, kidney and oncological diseases (breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, etc.)

It should be noted that the pneumococcal vaccine Prevenar 20 (also called PCV20) has been considered a standard vaccination since September 2023.

PCV20 is recommended as an indicated vaccination for individuals over 18 years of age if there is an immunodeficiency, anatomical and foreign body-associated risks for pneumococcal meningitis or other chronic diseases.

Those who have already been vaccinated with the PPSV23 vaccine (Pneumovax 23) should observe the minimum interval of 6 years before vaccination with the PCV20 vaccine (Prevenar 20).

Should you require further information about the pneumococcal vaccination, you are welcome to schedule an appointment for vaccination advice at our medical practice in Denia.