The Centers for Disease Control (hereinafter referred to as CDC) announced today (the 28th) that the publicly funded adult pneumococcal vaccine has been provided since January 15, 2026 (year 115) for one dose of PCV20 to eligible groups including seniors aged 65 and over, indigenous people aged 55‑64, and high‑risk individuals aged 19‑64 with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), replacing the previous two‑dose regimen (PCV13+PPV23). Starting August 10, 2026, PCV21 will also be offered to eligible individuals, so that the two “single‑dose” new vaccines (PCV20 or PCV21) fully replace the old vaccines, and a single dose provides complete protection. Upgrading entirely to the new vaccines can increase vaccination completion rates, reduce the occurrence of IPD and the risk of severe complications or death, and the estimated 3.17 million public‑funded recipients who have not yet completed vaccination can all benefit.
The CDC stated that since the vaccine conversion policy was implemented in January of this year, the pneumococcal vaccination completion rate among seniors aged 65 and over has increased from 31% before the policy to 36%. Based on the clinical trial results of the 20‑valent and 21‑valent new vaccines, international vaccination recommendations, and domestic epidemiological trends of confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare concluded that there is no superiority between the two vaccines and recommended that the publicly funded adult groups—seniors aged 65 (inclusive) and older, indigenous people aged 55‑64, and high‑risk individuals aged 19‑64 for IPD—receive vaccination. The completion rate is expected to exceed 40% after the policy is implemented.
The CDC urges that, starting August 10, individuals in the three aforementioned publicly funded categories who meet any of the following conditions may go to contracted medical institutions (about 2,800) to receive one dose of the publicly funded new pneumococcal vaccine (20‑valent or 21‑valent):
1. Those who have never received a pneumococcal vaccine (including 13‑, 15‑, 20‑, 21‑ or 23‑valent vaccines).
2. Those who have previously received a pneumococcal vaccine, to continue vaccination according to the following principles:
(a) Only the 23‑valent vaccine was received and at least one year has passed.
(b) Only the 13‑ or 15‑valent vaccine was received and at least one year has passed (for high‑risk IPD individuals or seniors aged 65 and over who are “institutional residents” or “dialysis patients,” the interval must be at least 8 weeks).
(c) Previously classified as a high‑risk IPD individual aged 19‑64; if they have completed both one dose of the 13‑ (or 15‑) valent vaccine and one dose of the 23‑valent vaccine, they may receive another dose after reaching age 65 (inclusive) and at least five years (≥5) have elapsed since the previous dose.
Note: High‑risk IPD individuals are those with splenic dysfunction, congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, cochlear implants, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, malignant tumors that have received immunosuppressive agents or radiation therapy within the past year, and organ transplant recipients.
The CDC reminds that seniors who have already received “one dose each of the 13‑ (or 15‑) valent and 23‑valent vaccines,” or the 20‑valent, or the 21‑valent vaccine, are considered fully protected and do not need to receive the new vaccine.
According to CDC monitoring data, as of July 27 this year, a total of 156 confirmed IPD cases have been reported domestically, including 19 deaths; roughly half of the confirmed cases are among people aged 65 and over. Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause various invasive diseases, commonly affecting infants, young children, and the elderly, primarily including pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, etc., with symptoms varying depending on the infection site. Research shows that pneumococcal vaccination can effectively reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia and sepsis and lower mortality after infection, and upgrading entirely to the new vaccines can increase vaccination completion rates and reduce the occurrence of pneumococcal infection and severe complications. Eligible individuals are urged to bring their National Health Insurance card and promptly receive one dose of the new vaccine. Indigenous people aged 55‑64 should also bring a household registration book or transcript bearing identification, and high‑risk IPD individuals aged 19‑64 should prepare relevant diagnostic documents as supporting evidence, or receive vaccination after a physician evaluates their health‑insurance records or medical history.
The CDC reminds that because Streptococcus pneumoniae has many serotypes, in addition to vaccination, the public should continue other protective measures, such as maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding poorly ventilated public places, and seeking prompt medical attention if suspected symptoms appear, to reduce the risk of pneumococcal infection or disease.
The CDC also explained that, starting from the implementation of the policy providing both the 20‑valent and 21‑valent new vaccines, the 23‑valent vaccine will be withdrawn and no longer offered. In addition, pneumococcal vaccines can be administered simultaneously with influenza and COVID‑19 vaccines at different injection sites without any required interval. Information on contracted medical institutions and related vaccination details can be found on the CDC’s global website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/) under the Vaccination Section “Influenza, COVID‑19, Pneumococcal Vaccine and Influenza Medication Map”, or check the websites of local health bureaus, or call the toll‑free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800‑001922) for inquiries.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled by: Infection Control Office
