Pneumococcal Vaccine (20-valent, Prevenar 20)

The Pneumococcal (20-valent) Vaccination Service from Ways Pharmacy is a private, pharmacist-administered immunisation with the PCV20 conjugate vaccine (Prevenar 20, Pfizer) against 20 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, administered by appointment at Ways Pharmacy, London (GPhC-registered), for adults aged 65 and over and at-risk groups. Prevenar 20 has replaced the discontinued Pneumovax 23 (PPV23) vaccine.

Key facts

Who should consider it

• Adults aged 65 and over wanting protection against pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive disease
• People with long-term heart, lung, liver or kidney conditions, or diabetes
• People without a working spleen (asplenia or splenic dysfunction) or with sickle cell disease
• People with a weakened immune system, including those on immunosuppressive treatment

Not suitable for: people with a confirmed allergy to any vaccine component; people who are acutely unwell with a fever on the day (postpone until recovered). The pharmacist will confirm suitability at your appointment.

How to book

1. Select the service and complete payment online.
2. Call Ways Pharmacy Holborn on 020 8106 7084 to arrange a convenient appointment.
3. At the appointment, the pharmacist reviews your age, medical history and any previous pneumococcal doses to confirm suitability.
4. The vaccine is administered into the upper arm, followed by a short observation period.

Frequently asked questions

How many doses of Prevenar 20 do I need?

Most adults need only a single dose of Prevenar 20, which is expected to give long-lasting protection. Some people at higher risk may be advised differently based on their medical history. The pharmacist will confirm the right schedule for you.

What happened to Pneumovax 23 (PPV23)?

Pneumovax 23, the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine, has been discontinued in the UK. Following updated advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the UK pneumococcal programme is moving from PPV23 to the 20-valent conjugate vaccine Prevenar 20 from early 2026. Our private service now uses Prevenar 20.

I have already had Pneumovax 23 or Prevenar 13 — do I still need Prevenar 20?

It depends on your age, health conditions and vaccination history. Prevenar 20 covers 20 pneumococcal serotypes, including those in Prevenar 13 plus seven more. At your appointment the pharmacist reviews any previous pneumococcal doses and will advise whether a dose of Prevenar 20 is appropriate for you and when it should be given.

Where do I get vaccinated?

The vaccine is administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist at Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, Holborn, London WC1B 4ET, near the British Museum and Holborn station. You can read more on our Holborn branch page.

Can I have it at the same time as my flu jab?

Yes. The pneumococcal vaccine can be given at the same visit as the seasonal flu vaccine, in different arms. Tell the pharmacist about any vaccines you have had recently so timing can be planned.

Is this an NHS service?

No. This is a private vaccination service. The NHS offers pneumococcal vaccination free to eligible groups; this service is for people who prefer a private route or fall outside current NHS eligibility.

Safety / who should not

• Administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist in a private consulting room
• Clinical screening on the day to confirm suitability and check for acute illness
• Not given to anyone with a confirmed allergy to a vaccine component
• 15-minute observation period after the injection
• Common side effects (injection-site soreness, mild fever, tiredness) usually settle within 1 to 2 days

References

• NHS — Pneumococcal vaccine
• Prevenar 20 — SmPC and Patient Information Leaflet (emc)

* Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria and clinical exclusions apply. This is a private service and is not provided by the NHS.