PCV vaccine
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine · IAP / NIS
| When to give | Primary at 6, 10, 14 wk; booster at 15–18 mo (IAP 3+1). NIS uses 2+1 (6 & 14 wk + 9–12 mo). |
|---|---|
| Dose | 0.5 mL IM. Capsular polysaccharides of multiple serotypes (10/13/14/15/20-valent) conjugated to CRM197 or TT. |
| Route | Intramuscular |
| Site | Anterolateral mid-thigh / deltoid |
| Schedule / interval | Primary 6/10/14 wk; booster 15–18 mo (IAP). NIS: 6 & 14 wk + booster 9–12 mo. |
Catch-up schedule
Age-dependent catch-up; fewer doses with increasing age. Healthy children >5 yr generally do not need it.
Adverse events (AEFI)
Local pain/swelling, low-grade fever, irritability, drowsiness (95% efficacy vs serotype-specific invasive disease).
Brands available in India
PCV10: Pneumosil (SII), Synflorix (GSK). PCV13-CRM: Prevnar-13. PCV13-TT: Vaximune-13, Pneumoguard-13 (Dr Reddy's). PCV14: Pneumoshield-14 / Pneubevax-14 (BE, marketed by Abbott). PCV20: Prevnar-20 (>18 yr).
Special considerations
2025 UPDATE — PCV13-TT & PCV14 approved for the 6–10–14 wk PRIMARY series only (NOT for the booster). PCV20 for >18 yr as a single IM dose. High-risk children (asplenia, sickle cell, immunocompromise, cochlear implant) — add PPSV23 later. Store 2–8°C, do not freeze.
See the full IAP-ACVIP 2025 immunisation schedule →
Sources
- IAP-ACVIP Recommended Immunization Schedule 2025 (Indian Pediatrics 2026)
- IAP Purple Book 2025, 5th edition