Table of Contents
- What is pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 19F vaccine?
- How does it work?
- What is it used for?
- How is it administered?
- How effective is it?
- Safety and side effects
- Who should get vaccinated?
What is pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 19F vaccine?
Pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 19F vaccine is a component of vaccines that help protect against infections caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus.[1] This specific component targets the 19F serotype of pneumococcus.
The full name of this vaccine component is “PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE SEROTYPE 19F CONJUGATED TO CRM197 ADSORBED ON ALUMINIUM PHOSPHATE”. Let’s break down what this means:
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide: This refers to sugar molecules from the outer coating of the pneumococcus bacteria.
- Serotype 19F: This is one specific strain of pneumococcus that the vaccine protects against.
- Conjugated to CRM197: The polysaccharide is attached to a carrier protein called CRM197 to enhance the immune response.
- Adsorbed on aluminium phosphate: The vaccine components are attached to aluminum phosphate, which acts as an adjuvant to further boost the immune response.
How does it work?
This vaccine works by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies against the 19F serotype of pneumococcus. Here’s how:
- The vaccine contains harmless parts of the pneumococcus bacteria (the polysaccharides).
- When injected, your immune system recognizes these as foreign.
- Your body produces antibodies specifically designed to fight this type of bacteria.
- If you’re later exposed to the real 19F pneumococcus, your immune system is primed to quickly recognize and fight it off before it can cause serious infection.
The conjugation to CRM197 and use of aluminum phosphate help make the vaccine more effective, especially in young children and older adults whose immune systems might not respond as strongly to the polysaccharide alone.[1]
What is it used for?
This vaccine component is used to prevent infections caused by the 19F serotype of pneumococcus. These infections can include:
- Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs
- Bacteremia: A blood infection
- Meningitis: An infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord
- Otitis media: Middle ear infections (especially in children)
The 19F serotype is included in several pneumococcal vaccines, including the 13-valent (Prevenar 13) and 20-valent (Apexxnar) pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.[1][2]
How is it administered?
This vaccine component is given as part of a larger pneumococcal vaccine. It is typically administered as an intramuscular injection, usually in the upper arm for adults or the thigh for infants. The specific dosing schedule depends on factors like age and risk factors for pneumococcal disease.[2]
How effective is it?
Studies have shown that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines containing the 19F serotype are effective at preventing invasive pneumococcal disease caused by this strain. For example:
- A study on the effectiveness of the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (which includes serotype 19F) in adults aged 65 and older is currently ongoing. This study aims to evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness against vaccine-type radiologically-confirmed community-acquired pneumonia.[3]
- Another study is investigating the immune response to pneumococcal vaccines, including the response to serotype 19F, in adults with increased risk for pneumococcal disease.[4]
These ongoing studies will provide more specific data on the effectiveness of the 19F component in different populations.
Safety and side effects
Pneumococcal vaccines containing the 19F serotype are generally considered safe. However, like all vaccines, they can cause side effects. Common side effects may include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fever
Serious side effects are rare but can occur. Always discuss potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.[2]
Who should get vaccinated?
Pneumococcal vaccines containing the 19F serotype are recommended for:
- All children under 2 years old
- Adults 65 years or older
- People with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of pneumococcal disease
However, the specific recommendations can vary by country and individual circumstances. Your healthcare provider can advise if this vaccine is appropriate for you or your child.[2]






