Pneumococcus bacterium often exists in the nasopharynx and is transmitted to other people by cough droplets. It usually does not incur diseases. However, when immunity is lessened, the bacteria may cause many diseases, including pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media, meningitis, bacteremia, and even severe invasive pneumonia.

Pneumococcal infections are found worldwide, but are more common in developing countries, in crowded places, and flourishes during winter and early spring. These infections pose most danger to infants, elderly people, those with heart and lung diseases, diabetes, or are immunocompromised. Pneumonia ranked the third lead cause of deaths in Taiwan in 2024.

Vaccination suggestions

At present, pneumococcus bacterium has become highly resistant to some antibiotics, so the most effective way to prevent invasive streptococcus pneumoniae infection is to receive pneumococcal vaccines following a strict schedule. Starting January 15, 2026, Taiwan will fully upgrade its adult publicly funded pneumococcal vaccination program to the 20‑valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20). This ‘one‑shot’ vaccine offers broad protection and replaces the previous mixed‑schedule approach using PCV13 and PPSV23.

Eligible recipients (using 2026 as an example; age is calculated as “vaccination year minus birth year”):

• Adults aged 65 years and older
• Indigenous adults aged 55–64 years
• Adults aged 19–64 years at high risk, including those with:
  1. splenic dysfunction or splenectomy
  2. Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency
  3. Cochlear implants
  4. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
  5. Malignancy receiving immunosuppressive therapy or radiotherapy within the past year
  6. Organ transplant recipients

Vaccination schedule:

• Individuals who have never received PCV13 or PPSV23: administer one dose of PCV20.
• Individuals who have already completed both PCV13 and PPSV23: no additional vaccination is required.

Possible side effects and vaccine response after injection

• After vaccination, please take a rest under observation for 30 minutes. If there is no discomfort, you may leave hospital.
• PCV20 has a favorable safety profile. Common side effects include pain, redness, warmth, or swelling at the injection site, and systemic symptoms such as fatigue, muscle soreness, headache, or mild fever. Most symptoms resolve spontaneously within 48 hours. If fever persists or if severe allergic reactions occur (such as difficulty breathing or dizziness), medical attention should be sought promptly.

Reminders

• PCV20 can be administered with other vaccines at different injection sites at the same time or at any time interval.  
• After vaccination, please drink more water and get plenty of rest to reduce discomfort. If you have any questions, please return to the hospital.
• Individuals who are not eligible for the publicly funded program may also receive the PCV20 vaccine at their own expense.