VAXNEUVANCE frequently asked questions

What are the Indications and Usage for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine) in adults?

VAXNEUVANCE is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F in individuals 6 weeks of age and older.

What are the Contraindications for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine) in adults?

Do not administer VAXNEUVANCE to individuals with a severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) to any component of VAXNEUVANCE or to diphtheria toxoid.

What are the Warnings and Precautions for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine) in adults?

Appropriate medical treatment to manage allergic reactions must be immediately available in the event an acute anaphylactic reaction occurs following administration of VAXNEUVANCE.

Some individuals with altered immunocompetence, including those receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a reduced immune response to VAXNEUVANCE.

What are the most common adverse reactions for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine) in adults?

The most commonly reported solicited adverse reactions in individuals 18 through 49 years of age were: injection-site pain (75.8%), fatigue (34.3%), myalgia (28.8%), headache (26.5%), injection-site swelling (21.7%), injection-site erythema (15.1%), and arthralgia (12.7%).

The most commonly reported solicited adverse reactions in individuals 50 years of age and older were: injection-site pain (66.8%), myalgia (26.9%), fatigue (21.5%), headache (18.9%), injection-site swelling (15.4%), injection-site erythema (10.9%), and arthralgia (7.7%).

What is the recommended dosage and administration of VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine) for adults?

For intramuscular injection only.

Each dose of VAXNEUVANCE is 0.5 mL.

Hold the prefilled syringe horizontally and shake vigorously immediately prior to use to obtain an opalescent suspension.

Do not use the vaccine if it cannot be resuspended. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not use if particulate matter or discoloration is observed.

Can VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine) be administered concurrently with influenza vaccine in adults?

VAXNEUVANCE may be given at the same time as seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine.

What pneumococcal serotypes are contained in VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine)?

VAXNEUVANCE is a sterile suspension of purified capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F.

When was VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine) first approved for use by the FDA?

VAXNEUVANCE was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021.

How do I report a suspected adverse event?

To report a suspected adverse reaction, contact Merck at 1-877-888-4231 or the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967 or www.vaers.hhs.gov.

How do I report a suspected product quality complaint?

To report a suspected product quality complaint, contact Merck at 1-877-888-4231.

What are the storage requirements for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine)?

Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

Do not freeze. Protect from light.

What is the CPT® Code for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine)?

The CPT code for VAXNEUVANCE is 90671.1

The information provided here is compiled from sources believed to be accurate, but Merck makes no representation that it is accurate. Consult the relevant manual and/or other guidelines for a description of each code to determine the appropriateness of a particular code and for information on additional codes. This information is subject to change. Merck cautions that payer coding requirements vary and can frequently change, so it’s important to regularly check with each payer as to payer-specific requirements.

You are solely responsible for determining the appropriate codes and for any action you take in billing. The information provided here is not intended to be definitive or exhaustive, and is not intended to replace the guidance of a qualified professional advisor. Merck makes no warranties or guarantees, expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy or appropriateness of this information for your particular use given the frequent changes in public and private payer billing. The use of this information does not guarantee payment or that any payment received will cover your costs. Diagnosis codes should be selected only by a health care professional.

CPT, Current Procedural Terminology.

CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.

Reference

  1. Immunization Information Systems (IIS). CPT Codes Mapped to CVX Codes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Last reviewed June 9, 2023. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://www2a.cdc.gov/vaccines/iis/iisstandards/vaccines.asp?rpt=cpt

Indications

Indication for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine)

VAXNEUVANCE is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F in individuals 6 weeks of age and older.

Indication for PNEUMOVAX®23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent)

PNEUMOVAX 23 is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by the 23 serotypes contained in the vaccine (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, and 33F).

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 is approved for use in persons 50 years of age or older and persons aged ≥2 years who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 will not prevent disease caused by capsular types of pneumococcus other than those contained in the vaccine.

Select Safety Information for VAXNEUVANCE

Do not administer VAXNEUVANCE to individuals with a severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) to any component of VAXNEUVANCE or to diphtheria toxoid.

 

Some individuals with altered immunocompetence, including those receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a reduced immune response to VAXNEUVANCE.

 

The most commonly reported solicited adverse reactions in individuals 18 through 49 years of age were: injection-site pain (75.8%), fatigue (34.3%), myalgia (28.8%), headache (26.5%), injection-site swelling (21.7%), injection-site erythema (15.1%), and arthralgia (12.7%).

 

The most commonly reported solicited adverse reactions in individuals 50 years of age and older were: injection-site pain (66.8%), myalgia (26.9%), fatigue (21.5%), headache (18.9%), injection-site swelling (15.4%), injection-site erythema (10.9%), and arthralgia (7.7%).

 

Vaccination with VAXNEUVANCE may not protect all vaccine recipients.

 

Before administering VAXNEUVANCE, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information. The Patient Information also is available.

Select Safety Information for PNEUMOVAX 23

Do not administer PNEUMOVAX 23 to individuals with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to any component of the vaccine.

 

Defer vaccination with PNEUMOVAX 23 in persons with moderate or severe acute illness.

 

Use caution and appropriate care in administering PNEUMOVAX 23 to individuals with severely compromised cardiovascular and/or pulmonary function in whom a systemic reaction would pose a significant risk.

 

Available human data from clinical trials of PNEUMOVAX 23 in pregnancy have not established the presence or absence of a vaccine-associated risk.

 

Since elderly individuals may not tolerate medical interventions as well as younger individuals, a higher frequency and/or a greater severity of reactions in some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

 

Persons who are immunocompromised, including persons receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a diminished immune response to PNEUMOVAX 23.

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 may not be effective in preventing pneumococcal meningitis in patients who have chronic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage resulting from congenital lesions, skull fractures, or neurosurgical procedures.

 

The most common adverse reactions, reported in >10% of subjects vaccinated with PNEUMOVAX 23 for the first time in a clinical trial, were: injection-site pain/soreness/tenderness, injection-site swelling/induration, headache, injection-site erythema, asthenia and fatigue, and myalgia.

 

For subjects aged 65 years or older in a clinical study, systemic adverse reactions which were determined by the investigator to be vaccine-related were higher following revaccination than following initial vaccination.

 

Vaccination with PNEUMOVAX 23 may not offer 100% protection from pneumococcal infection.

 

Before administering PNEUMOVAX 23, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information. The Patient Information also is available.

Indications

Scroll for Indication for PNEUMOVAX®23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent)

Indication for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine)

VAXNEUVANCE is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F in individuals 6 weeks of age and older.

Indication for PNEUMOVAX®23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent)

PNEUMOVAX 23 is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by the 23 serotypes contained in the vaccine (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, and 33F).

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 is approved for use in persons 50 years of age or older and persons aged ≥2 years who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 will not prevent disease caused by capsular types of pneumococcus other than those contained in the vaccine.

Indication for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine)

VAXNEUVANCE is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae

Indication for PNEUMOVAX®23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent)

PNEUMOVAX 23 is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by the 23 serotypes contained in the vaccine (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, and 33F).

Indication for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine)

VAXNEUVANCE is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F in individuals 6 weeks of age and older

Indication for PNEUMOVAX®23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent)

PNEUMOVAX 23 is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by the 23 serotypes contained in the vaccine (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, and 33F).

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 is approved for use in persons 50 years of age or older and persons aged ≥2 years who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 will not prevent disease caused by capsular types of pneumococcus other than those contained in the vaccine

Indication for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine)

VAXNEUVANCE is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F in individuals 6 weeks of age and older.

Indication for PNEUMOVAX®23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent)

PNEUMOVAX 23 is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by the 23 serotypes contained in the vaccine (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, and 33F).

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 is approved for use in persons 50 years of age or older and persons aged ≥2 years who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 will not prevent disease caused by capsular types of pneumococcus other than those contained in the vaccine.

Indication for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine)

VAXNEUVANCE is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F in individuals 6 weeks of age and older.

Indication for PNEUMOVAX®23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent)

PNEUMOVAX 23 is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by the 23 serotypes contained in the vaccine (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, and 33F).

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 is approved for use in persons 50 years of age or older and persons aged ≥2 years who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 will not prevent disease caused by capsular types of pneumococcus other than those contained in the vaccine

Select Safety Information

Scroll for Select Safety Information for PNEUMOVAX 23

Select Safety Information for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine)

Do not administer VAXNEUVANCE to individuals with a severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) to any component of VAXNEUVANCE or to diphtheria toxoid.

 

Some individuals with altered immunocompetence, including those receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a reduced immune response to VAXNEUVANCE.

 

The most commonly reported solicited adverse reactions in individuals 18 through 49 years of age were: injection-site pain (75.8%), fatigue (34.3%), myalgia (28.8%), headache (26.5%), injection-site swelling (21.7%), injection-site erythema (15.1%), and arthralgia (12.7%).

 

The most commonly reported solicited adverse reactions in individuals 50 years of age and older were: injection-site pain (66.8%), myalgia (26.9%), fatigue (21.5%), headache (18.9%), injection-site swelling (15.4%), injection-site erythema (10.9%), and arthralgia (7.7%).

 

Vaccination with VAXNEUVANCE may not protect all vaccine recipients.

 

Before administering VAXNEUVANCE, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information. The Patient Information also is available.

Select Safety Information for PNEUMOVAX®23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent)

Do not administer PNEUMOVAX 23 to individuals with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to any component of the vaccine.

 

Defer vaccination with PNEUMOVAX 23 in persons with moderate or severe acute illness.

 

Use caution and appropriate care in administering PNEUMOVAX 23 to individuals with severely compromised cardiovascular and/or pulmonary function in whom a systemic reaction would pose a significant risk.

 

Available human data from clinical trials of PNEUMOVAX 23 in pregnancy have not established the presence or absence of a vaccine-associated risk.

 

Since elderly individuals may not tolerate medical interventions as well as younger individuals, a higher frequency and/or a greater severity of reactions in some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

 

Persons who are immunocompromised, including persons receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a diminished immune response to PNEUMOVAX 23.

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 may not be effective in preventing pneumococcal meningitis in patients who have chronic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage resulting from congenital lesions, skull fractures, or neurosurgical procedures.

 

The most common adverse reactions, reported in >10% of subjects vaccinated with PNEUMOVAX 23 for the first time in a clinical trial, were: injection-site pain/soreness/tenderness, injection-site swelling/induration, headache, injection-site erythema, asthenia and fatigue, and myalgia.

 

For subjects aged 65 years or older in a clinical study, systemic adverse reactions which were determined by the investigator to be vaccine-related were higher following revaccination than following initial vaccination.

 

Vaccination with PNEUMOVAX 23 may not offer 100% protection from pneumococcal infection.

 

Before administering PNEUMOVAX 23, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information. The Patient Information also is available.

Select Safety Information for VAXNEUVANCE

Do not administer VAXNEUVANCE to individuals with a severe allergic…

Select Safety Information for PNEUMOVAX 23

Do not administer PNEUMOVAX 23 to individuals with a history of a hy…

Select Safety Information for VAXNEUVANCE

Do not administer VAXNEUVANCE to individuals with a severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) to any component of VAXNEUVANCE or to diphtheria toxoid. Some individuals with altered immunocompetence, including those receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a reduced immune response to VAXNEUVANCE.

Select Safety Information for PNEUMOVAX 23

Do not administer PNEUMOVAX 23 to individuals with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to any component of the vaccine.
Defer vaccination with PNEUMOVAX 23 in persons with moderate or severe acute illness…

Select Safety Information for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine)

Do not administer VAXNEUVANCE to individuals with a severe allergic…

Select Safety Information for PNEUMOVAX®23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent)

Do not administer PNEUMOVAX 23 to individuals with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to any component of the vaccine.

 

Defer vaccination with PNEUMOVAX 23 in persons with moderate or severe acute illness.

 

Use caution and appropriate care in administering PNEUMOVAX 23 to individuals with severely compromised cardiovascular and/or pulmonary function in whom a systemic reaction would pose a significant risk.

 

Available human data from clinical trials of PNEUMOVAX 23 in pregnancy have not established the presence or absence of a vaccine-associated risk.

 

Since elderly individuals may not tolerate medical interventions as well as younger individuals, a higher frequency and/or a greater severity of reactions in some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

 

Persons who are immunocompromised, including persons receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a diminished immune response to PNEUMOVAX 23.

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 may not be effective in preventing pneumococcal meningitis in patients who have chronic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage resulting from congenital lesions, skull fractures, or neurosurgical procedures.

 

The most common adverse reactions, reported in >10% of subjects vaccinated with PNEUMOVAX 23 for the first time in a clinical trial, were: injection-site pain/soreness/tenderness, injection-site swelling/induration, headache, injection-site erythema, asthenia and fatigue, and myalgia.

 

For subjects aged 65 years or older in a clinical study, systemic adverse reactions which were determined by the investigator to be vaccine-related were higher following revaccination than following initial vaccination.

 

Vaccination with PNEUMOVAX 23 may not offer 100% protection from pneumococcal infection.

 

Before administering PNEUMOVAX 23, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information. The Patient Information also is available.

Select Safety Information for VAXNEUVANCE™ (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine)

Do not administer VAXNEUVANCE to individuals with a severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) to any component of VAXNEUVANCE or to diphtheria toxoid.

 

Some individuals with altered immunocompetence, including those receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a reduced immune response to VAXNEUVANCE.

 

The most commonly reported solicited adverse reactions in individuals 18 through 49 years of age were: injection-site pain (75.8%), fatigue (34.3%), myalgia (28.8%), headache (26.5%), injection-site swelling (21.7%), injection-site erythema (15.1%), and arthralgia (12.7%).

 

The most commonly reported solicited adverse reactions in individuals 50 years of age and older were: injection-site pain (66.8%), myalgia (26.9%), fatigue (21.5%), headache (18.9%), injection-site swelling (15.4%), injection-site erythema (10.9%), and arthralgia (7.7%).

 

Vaccination with VAXNEUVANCE may not protect all vaccine recipients.

 

Before administering VAXNEUVANCE, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information. The Patient Information also is available.

Select Safety Information for PNEUMOVAX®23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent)

Do not administer PNEUMOVAX 23 to individuals with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to any component of the vaccine.

 

Defer vaccination with PNEUMOVAX 23 in persons with moderate or severe acute illness.

 

Use caution and appropriate care in administering PNEUMOVAX 23 to individuals with severely compromised cardiovascular and/or pulmonary function in whom a systemic reaction would pose a significant risk.

 

Available human data from clinical trials of PNEUMOVAX 23 in pregnancy have not established the presence or absence of a vaccine-associated risk.

 

Since elderly individuals may not tolerate medical interventions as well as younger individuals, a higher frequency and/or a greater severity of reactions in some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

 

Persons who are immunocompromised, including persons receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a diminished immune response to PNEUMOVAX 23.

 

PNEUMOVAX 23 may not be effective in preventing pneumococcal meningitis in patients who have chronic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage resulting from congenital lesions, skull fractures, or neurosurgical procedures.

 

The most common adverse reactions, reported in >10% of subjects vaccinated with PNEUMOVAX 23 for the first time in a clinical trial, were: injection-site pain/soreness/tenderness, injection-site swelling/induration, headache, injection-site erythema, asthenia and fatigue, and myalgia.

 

For subjects aged 65 years or older in a clinical study, systemic adverse reactions which were determined by the investigator to be vaccine-related were higher following revaccination than following initial vaccination.

 

Vaccination with PNEUMOVAX 23 may not offer 100% protection from pneumococcal infection.

 

Before administering PNEUMOVAX 23, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information. The Patient Information also is available.