PCV
Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV)
PCV: 4 doses on the on-time schedule and as few as 1 dose when started later; healthy children who reach 5 years generally do not need it (CDC). The Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine protects against Pneumococcal disease (pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections).
Typically required for school Aluminum-adjuvanted
Key takeaways
- On the routine, on-time schedule, PCV is a 4-dose series. Healthy children who reach 5 years of age generally don't need it at all, and a later start can mean as little as a single dose.
- PCV can be given on a slower, spaced-out schedule. A later start can even reduce the total number of doses. Minimum ages and intervals still apply, and the planner enforces them automatically.
- The PCV products listed on this page use an aluminum adjuvant; the amount per brand is listed on this page from FDA package inserts. If you prefer not to give several aluminum-containing vaccines at one visit, the planner can limit them per visit.
- PCV is required for kindergarten entry in most US states. Check your state's exact list on the requirements-by-state pages.
What changes when PCV is delayed?
On the routine, started-on-time schedule, PCV is a 4-dose series. Delaying the start does not always change this, but for several vaccines the CDC's own catch-up rules mean a later start needs fewer total doses. Here is what applies to PCV:
- DELAY SAVINGS: starting at 24–59 months (healthy child) needs only a SINGLE dose.
- Healthy children who reach age 5 (60 months) do not routinely need PCV.
Healthy children who reach 5 years of age generally do not need PCV at all.
The exact timing depends on your child's age and how you space visits. The spaced-out scheduler applies these rules automatically and shows the minimum doses still needed by your deadline. For a fuller look at timing, risks and catch-up, see the delay guide for PCV.
What brands and ingredients does the PCV vaccine have?
The US-licensed products below are listed with their manufacturer, aluminum content, preservative and egg flags, and full ingredient list. Each card links to the official CDC or FDA source. Formulations change — treat these as a starting point, not the final word.
Single-disease brands
Prevnar 20
Pfizer
20 serotypes, CRM197 carrier.
Ingredients (5)
- aluminum phosphate
- CRM197 carrier protein
- polysorbate 80
- succinate buffer
- sodium chloride
Vaxneuvance
Merck
15 serotypes (PCV15), CRM197 carrier.
Ingredients (5)
- aluminum phosphate
- CRM197 carrier protein
- L-histidine
- polysorbate 20
- sodium chloride
Prevnar 13
Pfizer
13 serotypes, CRM197 carrier. Not listed on the CDC's January 2026 pediatric/VFC price list, which lists only Vaxneuvance (PCV15) and Prevnar 20 (PCV20) for children, so it may not be available for pediatric use; ask your clinic which pneumococcal vaccine they stock.
Ingredients (5)
- aluminum phosphate
- CRM197 carrier protein
- polysorbate 80
- succinate buffer
- sodium chloride
PCV vaccine FAQs
How many doses of PCV does my child need?
On the routine, on-time schedule, PCV is a 4-dose series. Healthy children who reach 5 years of age generally don't need it at all, and a later start can mean as little as a single dose.
Can the PCV vaccine be delayed or spaced out?
Yes. PCV can be given on a slower, spaced-out schedule. A later start can even reduce the total number of doses. Minimum ages and intervals still apply, and the planner enforces them automatically.
Does the PCV vaccine contain aluminum?
Yes. The PCV products listed on this page use an aluminum adjuvant; the amount per brand is listed on this page from FDA package inserts. If you prefer not to give several aluminum-containing vaccines at one visit, the planner can limit them per visit.
Is PCV required for school?
PCV is required for kindergarten entry in most US states. Check your state's exact list on the requirements-by-state pages. See requirements by state.
Plan PCV on a slower schedule
See how many PCV doses your child would still need and when, on a spaced-out plan that finishes in time for school. Review the result with your child's healthcare practitioner.
Build my plan →Sources
Primary sources only. Links open the publisher's own page.
- CDC Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age (opens in a new tab)
- CDC Catch-up Immunization Schedule (Table 2) (opens in a new tab)
- CDC Child and Adolescent Schedule Notes (opens in a new tab)
- CDC Vaccine Excipient Summary (Pink Book, Appendix B) (opens in a new tab)
- FDA Vaccines Licensed for Use in the United States (opens in a new tab)
- FDA FDA PI — Prevnar 20 (opens in a new tab)
- Merck Merck PI — Vaxneuvance (opens in a new tab)
- CDC CDC Vaccine Excipient Summary (Appendix B) (opens in a new tab)
- CDC CDC Pediatric/VFC Vaccine Price List (Jan 1, 2026) (opens in a new tab)