PPSV23
Medical abbreviation · Infectious Disease
| Stands for | 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PPSV23 stands for 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, an infectious disease abbreviation.
Pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax 23) covering 23 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, made from purified capsular sugars. It was long the standard adult pneumonia vaccine, but current US schedules mainly use newer conjugate vaccines, giving PPSV23 only after PCV15 in some adults.
Example: Received PCV15 last year; PPSV23 due now to complete the pneumococcal series.
Usage notes
First licensed in 1983. Polysaccharide vaccines do not create lasting immune memory and work poorly in children under two, which is why conjugate vaccines (PCV) were developed. In October 2024 ACIP recommended pneumococcal conjugate vaccination for all adults aged 50 and older. Pronounced as letters plus "twenty-three".
Related abbreviations
More infectious disease abbreviations
- PAPR – Powered air-purifying respirator
- PCP – Pneumocystis pneumonia
- PEP – Post-exposure prophylaxis
- PHN – Postherpetic neuralgia
- PLWH – People living with HIV
- PPD – Purified protein derivative (tuberculin skin test)
- PrEP – Pre-exposure prophylaxis
- RMSF – Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- RSV – Respiratory syncytial virus
- RVP – Respiratory viral panel
- RZV – Recombinant zoster vaccine
- S. aureus – Staphylococcus aureus
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.