Pneumococcal vaccination for children (revision 2025)

Revision of report 9746

The Superior Health Council (SHC) now recommends the use of the PCV20 vaccine in the routine vaccination of children. This new vaccine offers extended coverage against 20 pneumococcal serotypes, compared with 13 previously, thus increasing protection against serious infections such as meningitis, septicemia and pneumonia.

This recommendation replaces the 2023 advice and is based on updated Belgian epidemiological data, showing increasing circulation of serotypes not covered by previous vaccines. PCV20 provides a more appropriate response to this trend, while maintaining a good tolerance and immunogenicity profile.

The SHC recommends a 4-dose (3+1) vaccination schedule for all infants. The aim: to reinforce prevention from the earliest age and contribute to collective immunity, while also protecting more vulnerable populations.

👉 Find out more about the science behind this updated recommendation.