Pneumococcal vaccines protect against a type of bacteria, not a virus such as the flu. Many babies or young children now get the recommended pneumococcal vaccine series. It is also recommended for all adults age 65 and older who are not known to have previously received a pneumococcal vaccine.

Serum Institute of India, which is the world's largest vaccine maker by volume, has priced pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, branded as Pneumosil, at $3 per dose for public market and little.

There are 3 types of pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20). The different vaccines are recommended for different people based on their age and medical status. PCV13 Infants and young children usually need 4 doses of PCV13, at ages 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months.