The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevenar 13(®), Prevnar 13(®)) 
[PCV13] consists of 13 serotype-specific polysaccharides of Streptococcus 
pneumoniae (pneumococcus), each covalently conjugated to a non-toxic immunogenic 
carrier protein. PCV13 has a well established immunogenicity and tolerability 
profile in adults, particularly those ≥50 years of age. Results of CAPiTA, a 
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in >84,000 older adults aged 
≥65 years, showed that PCV13 was effective in preventing vaccine-type 
pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), vaccine-type pneumococcal 
nonbacteraemic (noninvasive) CAP and vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease 
(IPD). These findings, along with changes in pneumococcal serotype distribution 
and epidemiology of pneumococcal disease, prompted the US Advisory Committee on 
Immunization Practices (ACIP) to recommend PCV13 in series with 23-valent 
pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPVS23) for all adults aged ≥65 years. 
PCV13 also has a role in preventing pneumococcal disease (pneumonia and IPD) in 
younger adults with immunocompromising conditions and potentially in those with 
other underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of pneumococcal 
disease.