Pneumonia is among the leading causes of hospitalization for older adults in Canada, and the bacteria responsible for many of those cases – Streptococcus pneumoniae – is preventable with a vaccine. If you haven’t thought about your pneumococcal vaccination status recently, this is a good time to check, because BC updated its pneumonia vaccine program significantly in 2025.
At Davies Pharmacy, we offer pneumococcal and other immunization services to North Shore residents as part of our commitment to community health since 1974.
What Is Pneumococcal Disease?
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can cause a range of infections from mild ear infections and sinusitis to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions including:
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)
Older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of serious outcomes. Pneumococcal disease is not just a risk in winter – it circulates year-round.
What Changed in BC: The Move to PCV20 (Prevnar 20)
The most important update to know: as of July 2025, BC replaced PCV13 and PPV23 with a single PCV20 product in its publicly funded pneumococcal immunization program.
Prevnar 20, also called PCV20, is a newer pneumococcal vaccine that protects against 20 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae – more than either of the vaccines it replaced. The older vaccines, PCV13 (Prevnar 13) and PPV23 (Pneumovax 23), are no longer available through BC’s public program.
This simplifies the vaccination process considerably. Previously, some adults needed a two-vaccine series. Now, a single dose of Prevnar 20 covers the same population with broader protection, according to Vancouver Coastal Health.
Who Gets the BC Pneumonia Vaccine for Free?
Prevnar 20 is available free from pharmacies for adults 65 and older.
Adults under 65 may also be eligible for publicly funded PCV20 if they have high-risk medical conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic lung disease, including asthma requiring medication
- Chronic liver or kidney disease
- Conditions causing a weakened immune system
- Functional or anatomic asplenia (absent or non-functioning spleen)
- Cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid leaks
If you’re unsure whether a health condition makes you eligible for the publicly funded vaccine, your pharmacist can help you check.
What If You’ve Already Had a Pneumococcal Vaccine?
If you received PCV13 (Prevnar 13) or PPV23 (Pneumovax 23) in the past, you should still receive Prevnar 20 to benefit from the broader coverage it provides. Anyone who has had Prevnar 13 and/or Pneumovax 23 should receive Prevnar 20 at least one year after their last pneumococcal vaccine.
So if you had a pneumococcal vaccine more than a year ago under the old program, you are likely due for Prevnar 20. A pharmacist can check your immunization history and confirm whether you’re ready for it.
Why Fall Is a Good Time to Get It
While pneumococcal disease isn’t seasonal the way influenza is, fall is a natural opportunity to review and update your vaccination status. Many people book a pharmacist appointment for their flu shot and RSV vaccine in October, and adding a pneumococcal vaccination check to the same visit keeps everything current without requiring multiple trips.
Davies Pharmacy can administer Prevnar 20, the flu shot, and the RSV vaccine in a single appointment for eligible patients.
Understanding Your Risk as a North Shore Resident
The North Shore community has a significant senior population, and pneumococcal disease disproportionately affects adults over 65. Many people in this age group have never received a pneumococcal vaccine at all, or received an older version that has since been superseded.
If you’re not sure what you’ve had or when, your pharmacist at Davies can look this up and advise you.
Get Your BC Pneumonia Vaccine at Davies Pharmacy
Prevnar 20 is available at Davies Pharmacy for eligible North Shore residents, with no doctor’s referral required. Our pharmacists are authorized to administer publicly funded pneumococcal vaccines and can check your eligibility on the spot.
Book an appointment to get your pneumococcal vaccine this fall alongside your other seasonal immunizations, or contact us if you have questions about whether you’re eligible.
One Less Thing to Worry About
Pneumococcal disease is serious, common, and largely preventable. With BC’s updated program now simplified to a single vaccine, getting protected has never been more straightforward. If you’re 65 or older, or have a qualifying health condition, the vaccine is free and available now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pneumonia vaccine free in BC?
Yes, for eligible residents. Prevnar 20 is publicly funded and available at no charge for adults 65 and older, and for adults under 65 with certain high-risk medical conditions. Speak with your pharmacist to confirm eligibility.
What happened to Pneumovax 23 and Prevnar 13 in BC?
Both vaccines were replaced by Prevnar 20 in BC’s publicly funded program as of July 2025. Prevnar 20 covers 20 serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria, providing broader protection than either of the previous vaccines. If you received either of the older vaccines more than a year ago, you should receive Prevnar 20 as well.
How often do I need the pneumococcal vaccine?
For most adults, a single dose of Prevnar 20 is the current recommendation. Unlike the flu shot, it does not need to be repeated annually. Your pharmacist can advise based on your age, health history, and previous vaccination record.
Can I get the pneumonia vaccine at the same time as my flu shot?
Yes. Pneumococcal vaccination can be given at the same visit as the flu shot and the RSV vaccine. Combining them in one appointment is safe, convenient, and avoids multiple trips.
Do I need to see a doctor to get the pneumococcal vaccine in BC?
No. BC pharmacists are authorized to assess eligibility and administer the publicly funded Prevnar 20 vaccine without a doctor’s referral. You can book directly at Davies Pharmacy.