Your Patients Can't Find Pneumovax 23. Here's How to Help.

You've recommended Pneumovax 23 for a patient — maybe they're completing the PCV15 + PPSV23 sequence, or they're due for revaccination. But when they go to the pharmacy, it's out of stock. They call your office frustrated and unsure what to do next.

This scenario has become increasingly common during the ongoing Pneumovax 23 supply constraints. As a provider, you're in a unique position to help your patients navigate these challenges. This guide provides a practical framework for doing exactly that.

Current Availability: What You Need to Know

As of early 2026, Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23) remains in production by Merck but is subject to intermittent supply limitations. Key points:

• Not discontinued. Merck continues to manufacture and distribute Pneumovax 23.
• Regional variability. Some markets have adequate supply while others experience persistent stockouts, particularly rural areas and smaller pharmacy chains.
• Seasonal patterns. Supply tends to be tightest September through January, with better availability in spring and summer months.
• Channel differences. Independent pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and health department clinics may have stock when chain pharmacies do not.

Why Patients Can't Find It

Understanding the root causes helps you counsel patients effectively:

1. Single-source manufacturing. Merck is the sole producer of PPSV23 globally. Any manufacturing constraint directly limits total supply with no alternative source.
2. Distribution inequities. Large chain pharmacies often receive priority allocations from distributors, while independent pharmacies and clinics may receive shipments less frequently.
3. Demand concentration. Vaccination campaigns in fall and winter create demand surges that outstrip available inventory.
4. Confusion about alternatives. Some patients and pharmacies may not realize that alternative pneumococcal vaccines exist, leading to a singular focus on locating PPSV23 when other options might be appropriate.

What Providers Can Do: 5 Actionable Steps

Step 1: Assess Whether PPSV23 Is Specifically Required

Before sending patients on a search, confirm that Pneumovax 23 is truly the right vaccine for their situation. Ask yourself:

• Is this a vaccine-naïve patient? If so, a single dose of Prevnar 20 (PCV20) may be the best option, eliminating the need for PPSV23 entirely.
• Has the patient already received PCV15? If yes, PPSV23 is recommended to complete the series. Document the pending need and help them locate it.
• Is this a revaccination? If the patient received PPSV23 5+ years ago and meets revaccination criteria, the same supply challenges apply.

Switching vaccine-naïve patients to PCV20 when appropriate is the single most effective way to reduce your patients' exposure to the PPSV23 shortage.

Step 2: Direct Patients to Medfinder

Recommend Medfinder as a first step for patients trying to locate Pneumovax 23. Medfinder searches pharmacy availability in real time, saving patients from calling multiple pharmacies themselves.

Consider adding Medfinder to your patient discharge instructions or after-visit summaries for patients who need PPSV23. A simple note like: "Search for Pneumovax 23 availability at medfinder.com" gives patients a clear action step.

Step 3: Leverage Your Practice's Network

Your practice likely has relationships that individual patients don't:

• Distributor contacts. Call your McKesson, Cardinal Health, or AmerisourceBergen representative to check current allocation and estimated delivery dates.
• Health system pharmacy. If you're part of a health system, check whether the hospital pharmacy or another clinic location has PPSV23 in stock.
• Local health department. Many health departments maintain separate vaccine allocations and may be able to accommodate your patients.
• Colleague practices. Other practices in your area may have excess supply or be willing to vaccinate your patients as a courtesy.

Step 4: Stock PPSV23 In-Office When Possible

If your practice has the cold chain infrastructure to store vaccines, consider ordering Pneumovax 23 directly through your distributor. Benefits include:

• Guaranteed availability for your highest-risk patients
• Simplified workflow (vaccinate during the office visit rather than sending patients elsewhere)
• Better tracking of vaccination status in your EHR

If you participate in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, ensure eligible pediatric patients have access through that channel as well.

Step 5: Implement a Recall System

For patients who cannot get PPSV23 today, set up a structured follow-up:

• Add the patient to a vaccination recall list in your EHR or practice management system
• Document the reason for delay (supply unavailability) in their chart
• Set a reminder to contact the patient when supply improves — check monthly
• Provide the patient with written instructions on where to search in the meantime

Alternative Vaccines to Consider

When PPSV23 is unavailable, these alternatives may be appropriate depending on the patient's vaccination history:

• Prevnar 20 (PCV20): Single-dose option for vaccine-naïve adults. Covers 20 serotypes with conjugate technology for stronger immune response. Most practical alternative for patients who haven't started any pneumococcal vaccine series.
• Vaxneuvance (PCV15): Conjugate vaccine covering 15 serotypes. Recommended to be followed by PPSV23, so this doesn't solve the supply issue — but can provide interim protection while PPSV23 is located.

For a detailed comparison of alternatives, see our patient-facing guide: Alternatives to Pneumovax 23.

Workflow Tips for Your Practice

• Create a standard script for front-desk and nursing staff to use when patients call about Pneumovax 23 availability. Include key messages: it's not discontinued, here's how to find it, and here's when to call back.
• Add Medfinder to patient handouts. A printed or emailed resource with the Medfinder link saves staff time and empowers patients.
• Track PPSV23 patients as a cohort. Use your EHR to flag patients awaiting PPSV23 so you can batch-notify them when supply arrives.
• Coordinate with your pharmacy partners. Build relationships with 2-3 pharmacies that reliably stock vaccines so you can make informed referrals.
• Review ACIP updates regularly. Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations continue to evolve, and staying current ensures you're recommending the most appropriate approach for each patient.

Final Thoughts

The Pneumovax 23 supply situation requires proactive management, but the tools and strategies exist to keep your patients protected. Start by triaging who truly needs PPSV23 versus who can be served by PCV20, use Medfinder to help patients locate supply, and implement recall systems for those who face delays.

For more on the current shortage status, see our provider briefing on the Pneumovax 23 shortage. For cost and assistance resources to share with patients, see how to save money on Pneumovax 23.