Recommendation for use of 15- and 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in Korean infants and children
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Pneumococcal disease remains the leading cause of morbidity in young children worldwide. Recent advances have expanded pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) beyond 13-valent (PCV13) to 15-valent (PCV15) and 20- valent (PCV20) vaccines, which add 2 and 7 serotypes, respectively, thereby broadening their potential protective effects against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Although policies vary among countries, Korea incorporated PCV15 and PCV20 into its National Immunization Program for children in April 2024 and October 2025, respectively, an implementation that is considered within the context of global epidemiology and policy trends. This review discusses evidence of the immunogenicity and safety of PCV15 and PCV20 from clinical trials and early postlicensure data, examines the serotype distribution and IPD burden in Korea alongside data from other regions, and summarizes vaccination recommendations for healthy and high-risk pediatric populations, including considerations for catch-up, interchangeability, and their coadministration. By integrating national updates and global evidence, this review aims to support clinicians and policymakers worldwide optimizing pneumococcal vaccination strategies for children.
Source: Korean Journal of Pediatrics
Institutions: Seoul National University, Inha University, Inha University Hospital, Yonsei University, Eulji University, Daejeon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, University of Ulsan, Catholic University of Korea, CHA University, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Ewha Womans University, Ewha Womans University Medical Center, Pusan National University, Korea University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7117613562