Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 21 valent (PCV21), for intramuscular use

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Pneumococcal bacteria are a significant cause of serious infections, including pneumococcal pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, specifically the 21 valent formulation (PCV21), is designed to provide immunity against these bacteria. This vaccine is created using a purified component of the bacteria's cell wall, which is then combined with a nontoxic variant of diphtheria known as CRM197. This combination enhances the immune response to the vaccine. The PCV21 vaccine is differentiated from other pneumococcal vaccines by the number of serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae it covers. In contrast to the 20 valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20), which covers specific serotypes, the PCV21 vaccine offers protection against an expanded range of serotypes, including 3, 6A, 7F, 8, 9N, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15A, 15C, 16F, 17F, 19A, 20A, 22F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, 33F, and 35B. This broader coverage is particularly important for adults aged 18 and older, as it helps protect against the main serotypes responsible for invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia. The administration of this vaccine is performed via intramuscular injection, which is a separate procedure that is reported independently.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 21 valent (PCV21), is indicated for use in adults aged 18 and older. It is specifically recommended to provide protection against invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia caused by the various serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae covered by the vaccine.

  • Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Protection against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including bacteremia and meningitis.
  • Pneumonia Prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia, a common and potentially severe respiratory infection.

2. Procedure

The administration of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 21 valent (PCV21), involves several key procedural steps to ensure proper delivery and patient safety.

  • Step 1: Patient Assessment Prior to vaccination, the healthcare provider should assess the patient's medical history, including any previous vaccinations, allergies, and current health status to determine eligibility for the vaccine.
  • Step 2: Preparation of Vaccine The vaccine should be prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring that it is stored at the appropriate temperature and is not expired. The vial should be gently swirled to mix the vaccine without shaking it vigorously.
  • Step 3: Site Selection The healthcare provider should select an appropriate intramuscular injection site, typically the deltoid muscle of the upper arm, ensuring that the area is clean and free from any lesions or infections.
  • Step 4: Administration of Vaccine The vaccine is administered via intramuscular injection using a sterile needle and syringe. The needle should be inserted at a 90-degree angle to the skin to ensure proper delivery into the muscle.
  • Step 5: Post-Administration Care After the injection, the healthcare provider should observe the patient for a brief period to monitor for any immediate adverse reactions. The patient should be provided with information regarding potential side effects and the importance of follow-up vaccinations if applicable.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the administration of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 21 valent (PCV21), patients may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fatigue. These effects are generally short-lived and resolve without intervention. It is important for healthcare providers to inform patients about these potential reactions and advise them to seek medical attention if they experience severe or persistent symptoms. Additionally, patients should be encouraged to keep track of their vaccination history and follow up with their healthcare provider for any recommended booster doses or additional vaccinations as part of their preventive healthcare plan.

Short Descr PCV21 VACCINE IM
Medium Descr PCV21 VACCINE FOR INTRAMUSCULAR USE
Long Descr Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 21 valent (PCV21), for intramuscular use
Related Drugs CAPVAXIVE
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Influenza, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Hepatitis B, and Covid-19 Vaccines; Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Product
ASC Payment Indicator Influenza vaccine; pneumococcal vaccine.
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 1
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Added First appearance in codebook.
2024-06-20 Note FDA approval granted.
2024-06-17 Added Code added.
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"