Pneumococcal vaccines: who needs them and when?

Children and adults aged 65 or above are the main groups for pneumococcal vaccination. People with specified health risks should also discuss vaccination with a doctor; age alone does not settle the question.^[1][2]

• Children: receive a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine through Hong Kong’s childhood programme, which routinely uses PCV15.
• Adults aged 65 or above: the government programme provides a vaccination pathway even without specified high-risk conditions. High-risk conditions change the vaccine combination, as shown in the schedule below.
• People with specified health risks: those under 65 can also discuss vaccination under local product instructions. Health conditions and previous doses determine the product and timing.

CHP’s specified high-risk conditions include:^[1]

• Previous invasive pneumococcal disease, cerebrospinal fluid leakage or a cochlear implant.
• Chronic cardiovascular, lung, liver or kidney disease; hypertension without complications is excluded from this cardiovascular category.
• Metabolic conditions including diabetes or obesity, defined here as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above.
• Immunocompromised states related to conditions such as asplenia, HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment or steroid treatment.
• Chronic neurological conditions affecting breathing, handling respiratory secretions or self-care, or increasing the risk of aspiration.

Vaccination need and funding eligibility are separate. Eligible Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above can receive free or subsidised vaccination; others can ask about private vaccination. Bring any available vaccination records to help the doctor check whether another dose is needed, and which product and date to arrange.^[1][2]

The first three rows describe the Hong Kong government programmes. The PCV20 rows follow its Hong Kong product information and describe another product option, not a change to the government-funded schedule. For previous doses or catch-up vaccination, bring the product names and dates so the clinician can work out the next dose.^[1][2][3][5]

“High risk” has a specific definition in the programme. Ask the provider to check your diagnosis against the CHP list; having uncomplicated high blood pressure alone is excluded from its chronic cardiovascular disease category. Do not restart or add doses just because a newer product is available.^[1]

Pneumococcal vaccines help prevent illness caused by pneumococcus, a bacterium that can cause pneumonia and serious infections of the blood or tissues around the brain. They do not prevent every cause of pneumonia. The vaccine and timing depend on your age, health and previous doses.^[1]

Both types use sugars from the outer capsule of pneumococcus to help the immune system recognise the bacterium. The main difference is whether those sugars are joined to a carrier protein.^[5][8]

PCV15, PCV20 and PCV21 are conjugate vaccine examples. Their numbers describe how many serotypes, or types of pneumococcus, they target. Vaccine type and serotype count are different features: the choice also depends on age, health and previous doses, rather than the higher number alone.^[1][3][5][8]

The product names below are reference examples. Each has its own age indications and schedule, so ask which product the clinic offers and whether it is in stock. The table is not an exhaustive list.^[1][4]

Capvaxive was registered in Hong Kong on 18 May 2026 (HK-69102). For stock and government-programme access, check separately with the provider.^[4]

Reactions can occur, but they vary by vaccine and age. After PPSV23, mild soreness or swelling at the injection site usually settles within two days. Fever, muscle aches and more severe local reactions are uncommon.^[1]

For PCV15, commonly reported reactions in adults include injection-site pain, tiredness, muscle pain and headache. In children under 2, common reactions include fever, irritability, sleepiness and injection-site pain.^[1]

DH’s childhood PCV information describes occasional mild fever or local redness or swelling that gradually settles over a few days. For another product, ask the clinic about its usual reactions and recovery time.^[3]

Tell the clinic about any previous severe reaction to a pneumococcal vaccine, a vaccine ingredient or a diphtheria-toxoid-containing vaccine before another dose. Seek immediate medical help for breathing difficulty or swelling of the lips or tongue after vaccination. Persistent fever or discomfort also needs medical advice.^[1][3]

Not necessarily. Valency is the number of serotypes a vaccine targets. Serotypes are different types of pneumococcus, and vaccines can target different sets—not simply a larger version of the same set.

The choice also depends on Hong Kong disease patterns, clinical evidence, your age, health and vaccination history. The existing explorer compares reported serotypes with vaccine reference sets. It does not measure protection or choose a vaccine for you.^[1][6][7]

No. Flu and pneumococcal disease have different causes. Pneumococcal vaccines target pneumococcus; they do not prevent all pneumonia. Whether you need a pneumococcal dose depends on your record and health, even if you have already had a flu vaccine.^[1]

For the separate timing question, see pneumococcal and flu vaccination on the same day.

For routine childhood vaccination, contact a DH Maternal and Child Health Centre, or ask a private doctor about private vaccination. For the older-adult programme, check whether the clinic participates in the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme and whether you meet the conditions. Some designated public clinics serve existing patients or clients only. Adults receiving free or subsidised vaccination must register for eHealth.^[2][3]

For a private appointment, ask which product is offered, whether your previous doses affect the appointment, and the total charge. Ask the provider separately about subsidy eligibility and current stock.

For the detailed access questions, see older-adult pneumococcal subsidies and pneumococcal vaccine costs.

• Your vaccination record, if available, including product names and dates.
• A list of health conditions, medicines and any previous severe vaccine reactions.
• Questions about the next dose, any interval and whether subsidy conditions apply.

Ask the doctor to write down which product was given and when another dose is due, if one is needed.