Streptococcus Pneumoniae Type 2 Capsular Polysaccharide Antigen
Streptococcus pneumoniae type 2 capsular polysaccharide antigen is an immunological component used in pneumococcal vaccine formulations. It stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against serotype 2 of S. pneumoniae, a bacterium responsible for serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia. This antigen is included in polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines to provide protective immunity in at-risk populations.
A capsular polysaccharide antigen component used in pneumococcal vaccines to stimulate protective immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 2 infections.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 854950
- Generic
- Streptococcus Pneumoniae Type 2 Capsular Polysaccharide Antigen
- Class
- unclassified
- Brands
- Pneumovax 23
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used as a vaccine antigen component for immunoprophylaxis against pneumococcal disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 2, including pneumonia, meningitis, otitis media, and bacteremia. Primarily included in polyvalent polysaccharide or conjugate pneumococcal vaccines for adults and children at increased risk of pneumococcal infections.
The capsular polysaccharide antigen is a purified carbohydrate derived from the outer capsule of S. pneumoniae serotype 2. When administered as part of a vaccine, it stimulates B-lymphocytes to produce type-specific antibodies without causing disease. These antibodies recognize and neutralize the bacterium upon future exposure, providing immunological protection.
This is a vaccine antigen component, not a therapeutic medication. Immunity develops over 2-3 weeks following vaccination. Effectiveness depends on individual immune response and vaccine matching to circulating serotypes. Contraindications include severe hypersensitivity to vaccine components. May be combined with other pneumococcal serotype antigens in polyvalent formulations.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 31, 2026. · Read our editorial policy