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.
Common questions
When is the PCV vaccine given?
Primary at 6, 10, 14 wk; booster at 15–18 mo (IAP 3+1). NIS uses 2+1 (6 & 14 wk + 9–12 mo).
What is the PCV vaccine dose and route?
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.
Can the PCV vaccine be given late?
Age-dependent catch-up; fewer doses with increasing age. Healthy children >5 yr generally do not need it.
What are the side effects of the PCV vaccine?
Local pain/swelling, low-grade fever, irritability, drowsiness (95% efficacy vs serotype-specific invasive disease).
Which PCV vaccine brands are 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).
See the full IAP-ACVIP 2025 immunisation schedule →
About this page
Aligned with the IAP-ACVIP Recommended Immunization Schedule 2025 and compiled from standard paediatric references. Verify against the current product insert, the national schedule and your local protocol.
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page — corrections from clinicians are welcome and are reviewed before any change is published.
Last reviewed 2026-08-12.