Health x Wellness
PCV20 Added to Singapore National Vaccine Schedule
Starting 1 September 2025, Singapore has officially included the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) and the Subsidised Vaccine List (SVL) — a move set to make this critical protection more accessible to those who need it most.
This update marks a major public health milestone, especially for older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions, who face the highest risk of severe pneumococcal disease. While childhood vaccination rates remain high, younger adults with underlying conditions are still significantly under-vaccinated — leaving a gap in protection that this policy aims to close.
What Is Pneumococcal Disease — and Why Does It Matter?
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to serious infections such as:
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Meningitis (brain and spinal cord infection)
- Sepsis (bloodstream infection)
These conditions can result in hospitalisation, long-term complications, or even death, particularly among older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
In fact, pneumonia was the second leading cause of death in Singapore in 2023, accounting for 23.5 per cent of all deaths. Pneumococcal pneumonia is also the most common type of bacterial pneumonia in adults, and in 2024, it represented 4.6 per cent of total hospitalisations — making it the second leading cause of hospital admission nationwide.
Who Should Get PCV20?
With its inclusion in the NAIS and SVL, PCV20 is now recommended and subsidised for the following groups:
- All individuals aged 65 years or older
- Persons aged 18 years or older with any of the following conditions:
- Chronic medical conditions (e.g. pulmonary, cardiovascular, liver disease, diabetes mellitus)
- Cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid leaks
- Anatomic or functional asplenia
- Immunocompromising conditions
- Chronic kidney disease
This broad eligibility reflects the vaccine’s role in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and reducing hospitalisation and mortality among vulnerable groups.
Why PCV20 — and What Makes It Different?
PCV20 protects against 20 different serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, covering a wider range than previous vaccines like PCV13 and PPSV23. Unlike the older regimen, which required sequential dosing, PCV20 is administered as a single dose — simplifying the schedule for patients and healthcare providers alike.
This streamlined approach is especially important for adults juggling multiple health appointments or managing chronic conditions. It also helps improve uptake among younger adults who may otherwise delay or skip vaccination due to complexity or cost.
A Public Health Win
The inclusion of PCV20 in Singapore’s national schedule is more than a policy update — it’s a proactive step toward reducing preventable illness and death. BAs Singapore continues to strengthen its healthcare system, the addition of PCV20 to the NAIS and SVL is a timely and strategic move. It reflects a growing recognition that adult vaccination is essential to healthy ageing — and that protection should be proactive, not reactive.
For those eligible, the message is simple: Don’t wait. Vaccinate.
