Table of Contents
- What is this vaccine component?
- How does it work?
- What diseases does it help prevent?
- What vaccines contain this component?
- How is it administered?
- Safety and side effects
- Ongoing research
What is this vaccine component?
PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE SEROTYPE 14 CONJUGATED TO CRM197 ADSORBED ON ALUMINIUM PHOSPHATE is a key ingredient in certain pneumococcal vaccines. It’s a complex name, so let’s break it down:
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide: This refers to sugar molecules from the outer coating of pneumococcus bacteria.
- Serotype 14: This indicates it’s from a specific strain of pneumococcus bacteria known as serotype 14.
- Conjugated to CRM197: The bacterial sugars are chemically attached (conjugated) to a harmless protein called CRM197. This helps make the vaccine more effective, especially in young children.
- Adsorbed on aluminium phosphate: The vaccine components are attached to a tiny amount of aluminum compound, which acts as an adjuvant to boost the immune response.
This component is just one of several similar ingredients in pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, each targeting a different strain of the bacteria.[1]
How does it work?
When this vaccine component is injected into the body, it stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against pneumococcal serotype 14. These antibodies can then recognize and help fight off real pneumococcus bacteria if you’re exposed in the future. The conjugation to CRM197 and the aluminum adjuvant help make this immune response stronger and longer-lasting.[1]
What diseases does it help prevent?
This vaccine component, along with others in pneumococcal vaccines, helps prevent diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, including:
- Pneumonia: A serious lung infection
- Bacteremia: A bloodstream infection
- Meningitis: An infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord
- Otitis media: Middle ear infections (especially in children)
Pneumococcal diseases can be very serious, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.[1]
What vaccines contain this component?
This specific component is found in several pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, including:
- Prevenar 13 (also known as Prevnar 13): A 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
- Apexxnar: A newer 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
These vaccines contain multiple pneumococcal serotypes, each conjugated to CRM197, to provide broad protection against the most common disease-causing strains.[1][2]
How is it administered?
Vaccines containing this component are typically given as an intramuscular injection, usually in the upper arm for adults or the thigh for infants. The number of doses and schedule can vary depending on age and risk factors:
- Infants usually receive a series of doses starting at 2 months of age
- Adults 65 and older typically receive a single dose
- Some high-risk adults under 65 may also be recommended to receive the vaccine
Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for vaccination.[2]
Safety and side effects
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines containing this component have been extensively studied and are generally considered very safe. Common side effects may include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Irritability (in children)
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
Serious allergic reactions are very rare. As with any medical treatment, discuss any concerns or your medical history with your healthcare provider before vaccination.[2]
Ongoing research
Researchers continue to study pneumococcal vaccines to improve their effectiveness and broaden protection. Some areas of ongoing research include:
- Developing vaccines that cover even more pneumococcal serotypes
- Studying the long-term effectiveness of these vaccines in different populations
- Investigating the impact of widespread vaccination on pneumococcal disease rates
- Exploring potential uses in specific high-risk groups
For example, one study is looking at the effectiveness of a 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (which includes this serotype 14 component) in preventing community-acquired pneumonia in adults 65 and older.[3]
Pneumococcal vaccines have already had a significant impact on reducing the burden of these diseases, and ongoing research aims to build on this success to provide even better protection in the future.






