Pneumonia Vaccines in Primary Care: Evidence-Based Recommendations for Clinical Practice

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), with >100 identified serotypes. The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) has significantly reduced the incidence of IPD and offered herd immunity benefits. However, serotype replacement remains an ongoing challenge. This review explores the development and efficacy of existing and emerging pneumococcal vaccines, including PCV20, Multiple Antigen Presenting System–based vaccines, and PCV21 candidates. By drawing on current clinical guidelines and research, this article provides evidence-based insights to support primary care providers in reducing pneumococcal disease burden across diverse populations.