Pneumococcal Vaccines (Prevnar 20 & Capvaxive)

Protect yourself against serious pneumococcal illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults 65+ and certain younger adults with chronic conditions or risk factors. Rock Ridge Pharmacy offers both Prevnar 20 and Capvaxive.

Walk-ins Welcome

No appointment required

Insurance Accepted

Most major plans, including Medicare

Pharmacist Care

Guidance you can trust

Prevnar 20 vs Capvaxive

Both vaccines protect against serious pneumococcal disease. Here’s a clear comparison of what sets them apart.

Prevnar 20 vaccine packaging

Prevnar 20

  • Coverage: 20 serotypes
  • Who: Adults 65+ & high-risk 19–64
  • Dosing: One-time dose if not vaccinated
  • History: Established, widely available
Capvaxive vaccine packaging

Capvaxive

  • Coverage: 21 serotypes (includes extra strains)
  • Who: Adults 65+ & high-risk 19–64
  • Dosing: One-time dose if not vaccinated
  • Highlight: Broader coverage for today’s adults

Our pharmacists will guide you in choosing the right option based on your health and vaccination history.

Pneumococcal protection made simple

Eligibility & Timing

Adults 65+

Ages 19–64 w/ chronic conditions

Weakened immunity or risk factors

When to Get Vaccinated

As soon as eligible

Don’t delay if you meet CDC criteria.

Before flu & winter season

Best to vaccinate in early fall if possible.

Even later is valuable

Vaccination at any time still protects.

Science made simple

How the Vaccine Works

Step 1: Vaccine Design

Made with safe pieces of the bacteria’s outer shell + protein carrier.

Step 2: Immune Training

Your immune system learns to recognize pneumococcal bacteria.

Step 3: Antibody Protection

Antibodies are built to fight infection if you’re exposed later.

Step 4: Long-Term Defense

Immune memory helps protect against pneumonia & serious illness.

Pneumococcal vaccines do not contain live bacteria and provide safe, lasting protection against multiple strains.

Protect yourself from flu and pneumonia

Why Pair Flu & Pneumococcal Vaccines?

Flu shots help each year — but pneumococcal vaccines give added, long-term protection against pneumonia and serious complications. Together, they provide the strongest defense.

September–October

Best time for your annual flu vaccine to reduce seasonal risk.

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Same Visit, Double Protection

Pair your pneumococcal vaccine (Prevnar 20 or Capvaxive) with the flu shot for convenience.

Winter Season

If you miss fall, flu shots remain beneficial later.

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Year-Round Shield

Pneumococcal vaccines aren’t seasonal — a single dose helps protect for years against pneumonia.

Don’t stop at the flu shot — add pneumococcal protection for the strongest defense.

Side Effects & Safety

Most side effects are mild and temporary. Click each section to expand.

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • Tiredness or mild fatigue
  • Muscle or joint aches
  • Headache
  • Mild fever or chills
  • Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis – extremely rare)
  • Fainting shortly after vaccination (more common in sensitive individuals)
  • Pharmacists are trained to provide immediate emergency care

Most side effects are mild and short-lived, resolving within a few days. Severe reactions are very uncommon, and our pharmacists are fully prepared to assist if needed.

What to Expect

A simple four-step vaccination process

1. Book or Walk In

Quick online booking or same-day walk-in.

2. Check In

Bring your ID and insurance card.

3. Get Vaccinated

Administered by a licensed pharmacist.

4. Observation

Stay 15 minutes to ensure safety.

Pneumococcal Vaccines (Prevnar 20 & Capvaxive)

Protect against pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Recommended for adults 65+ and certain younger adults with health conditions. Available now at Rock Ridge Pharmacy: Prevnar 20 and Capvaxive.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Pneumococcal vaccines (Prevnar 20 and Capvaxive) are administered in accordance with FDA and CDC guidelines. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about pneumococcal vaccination (Prevnar 20 & Capvaxive)

What are Prevnar 20 and Capvaxive?

They are the latest pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. Prevnar 20 protects against 20 strains, and Capvaxive protects against 21 strains, including additional serotypes.

How many doses are required?

Most adults need just one dose of Prevnar 20 or Capvaxive. Your pharmacist will advise if additional pneumococcal vaccines are recommended based on your health history.

Who should get pneumococcal vaccination?

All adults 65+, and adults 19–64 with chronic conditions or risk factors, should be vaccinated following CDC guidelines.

Can I get this vaccine with others?

Yes. Pneumococcal vaccines can be given at the same time as flu, shingles, or other vaccines at different injection sites.

Is the pneumococcal vaccine covered by insurance?

Yes. Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, cover pneumococcal vaccines at no cost to eligible adults.

Do I need a prescription?

No prescription is required. Our pharmacists can administer pneumococcal vaccines under standing orders.

What are the common side effects?

Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, or mild fever. These typically resolve within a few days.

How effective are these vaccines?

Prevnar 20 and Capvaxive provide strong, long-lasting protection against invasive pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

How long does protection last?

Protection from pneumococcal vaccines is long-lasting. Most adults only need a single dose, though recommendations may change if new vaccines become available or health conditions change.

Protect Yourself with Pneumococcal Vaccines

Rock Ridge Pharmacy offers Prevnar 20 and Capvaxive to help protect against pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections. Book online today or stop by — walk-ins are welcome, and most insurances are accepted.

© 2025 Rock Ridge Pharmacy. All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Vaccinations are provided in accordance with FDA and CDC guidelines. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.