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What is the PCV20 Vaccine?
Broader Protection Against Pneumococcal Disease
Medically reviewed by Dr Amaris Lim, MBBS, MMed (Fam Med), Grad Dip Sports Med – last reviewed August 2026
As part of Singapore’s increasing focus on preventive care, the PCV20 pneumococcal vaccine has been introduced into the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS).
But what is it, and how does it differ from the other pneumococcal vaccines already recommended under the NAIS?
What is the PCV20 vaccine?
- A 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20)
- Designed to protect against infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Covers 20 distinct strains of bacteria in a single injection
What is Streptococcus Pneumoniae?
- A species of bacteria that can cause severe, life-threatening conditions, collectively known as invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)
- IPD includes:
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Meningitis (infection of the brain lining)
- Bacteremia (bloodstream infections)
- Streptococcus Pneumoniae uses a protective layer of sugar molecules (polysaccharide capsule) as a shield against the immune system
- This shield results in a weaker immune response, especially in young children and older adults
- It also causes the immune system to form a weaker immunological memory against the bacteria, leaving the body vulnerable to recurrent infections
How does the PCV20 vaccine work?
PCV20 is a conjugate vaccine:
- Parts of the Streptococcus Penumoniae bacteria’s sugar shield (polysaccharide capsule) are linked with a carrier protein in the vaccine.
- This carrier protein helps the body’s immune system to recognize the bacteria’s sugar shield as a foreign invader, allowing it to build protection without causing the disease.
- The immune system then builds an immunological memory against these bacteria.
- If the body is ever exposed to Streptococcus Pneumoniae later in life, the immune system will then mount a rapid defence to clear the infection before it turns into severe pneumonia or invasive disease.
What pneumococcal vaccines were recommended previously? (PCV13 and PPSV23)
Previously, adult immunization schedules relied on two main types of vaccines, PCV13 and PPSV23. Older adults or individuals with chronic medical conditions had to receive both PCV13 and PPSV23 to achieve broad coverage.
- PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine – 13 strains):
- Protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria
- Provides long-lasting, memory-based immunity
- PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine – 13 strains):
- PPSV23 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine – 23 strains):
- Covers a broader range of 23 strains
- Uses a simpler technology that does not create long-term immune memory as effectively
- PPSV23 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine – 23 strains):
How is PCV20 different from PCV13 and PPSV23?
More Strains Than PCV13:
PCV20 covers all 13 strains included in PCV13, plus 7 additional strains responsible for severe pneumococcal disease.
Better Immune Response Than PPSV23:
Unlike PPSV23 (which relies on pure polysaccharide technology), PCV20 is a conjugate vaccine. This means it stimulates a stronger, longer-lasting immune response with immunological memory.
Instead of requiring multiple different vaccines over time, adults often achieve comprehensive protection with a single dose of PCV20.
How long does protection from PCV20 last?
As a conjugate vaccine designed to induce immunological memory, PCV20 provides long-term protection. For most healthy adults, a single dose is designed to offer lifelong protection, without the need for frequent annual boosters.
The PCV20 pneumococcal vaccine is now included under Singapore’s National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), and is covered by government subsidies for recommended individuals.
Singapore Citizens who are enrolled in Healthier SG can receive the vaccine fully subsidised ($0 out-of-pocket) at their enrolled Healthier SG clinic if they are 65 years and above, or 18 to 64 years old with eligible chronic medical conditions.
For eligible Singapore Citizens who are not enrolled in Healthier SG, CHAS subsidies are available at participating GP clinics to help reduce the cost of vaccination. MediSave may also be used to pay for any remaining eligible vaccination costs.
Our team will be happy to check your eligibility, explain the available subsidies, and help you receive the protection you need. Contact us today to book your PCV20 pneumococcal vaccination or speak to our healthcare team for personalised advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get PCV20 if you've already received another pneumococcal vaccine like PCV13 and PPSV23?
Yes, but the timing depends on your vaccination history and how long ago you received your previous shots. If you have previously received PPSV23 or PCV13, our family doctors will review your National Immunisation Registry records to determine if you would benefit from a dose of PCV20.
Can PCV20 be given with the flu or COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, PCV20 can safely be administered at the same visit as your seasonal influenza vaccine or your COVID-19 boosters.
What side effects should you expect from the PCV20 vaccine?
Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own within 2 to 3 days. They are normal signs that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. Common side effects include mild pain at the injection site, mild fatigue, low-grade fever, muscle aches and headaches.
Do healthy adults need PCV20?
In Singapore, Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) strongly recommend pneumococcal vaccination for:
- All adults aged 65 and older
- Individuals aged 18 to 64 with chronic medical conditions (such as chronic heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease, diabetes mellitus, or immunocompromising conditions).
Can I still get pneumonia after being vaccinated?
Yes, pneumonia can be caused by many different pathogens, including viruses (like influenza or COVID-19) and various bacteria (other than Streptococcus pneumoniae). While PCV20 does not prevent pneumonia caused by viruses or other bacteria, it is effective at protecting you against pneumonia from dangerous pneumococcal strains.
How much does the PCV20 vaccine cost in Singapore?
Before any subsidies, the PCV20 vaccine costs $135.
What subsidies are available for the PCV20 vaccine?
Eligible Singapore Citizens can receive CHAS subsidies that bring the out-of-pocket cost down to between $17 and $68. Singapore Citizens enrolled in Healthier SG can receive the vaccine fully subsidised, at $0 out-of-pocket, at their enrolled Healthier SG clinic, if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Can I use MediSave to pay for the PCV20 vaccine?
Yes, MediSave can be used to cover any remaining out-of-pocket costs for the PCV20 vaccine after CHAS or Healthier SG subsidies have been applied.
Author
Dr Amaris Lim
MBBS, MMed (Fam Med), GDip (Sports Med)
Dr Amaris is a Family Physician at Frontier Healthcare with a special interest in Sports Medicine. She also contributes as one of the Core Faculty for the Family Medicine Residency Program with the National University Health System (NUHS). She currently practices at Canberra and Bukit Batok.
