Recommendation for Immunization:
The immunization is recommended for children ages 2-23 months and for some high-risk children 24-59 months who did not already receive the vaccine. The preferred vaccine schedule is first dose at 2 months of age (may be given at 6 weeks), second at 4 months of age (4-8 weeks after the first), third at 6 months of age (4-8 weeks after the second), and 4th dose at no less than 12-15 months of age (at least 2 months after the third dose). For catch-up scheduling, please see the CDC recommendations.

This vaccine, available as Prevnar®, is against 7 different strains (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F) of Streptococcus pneumoniae, also called pneumococcus. These 7 strains account for about 80% of children's invasive pneumococcal disease which includes meningitis and blood infection. The bacteria also causes some cases of pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections.

Children are given this vaccine to prevent as much childhood pneumococcal disease as possible. These infections can be very severe, even fatal. In the case of meningitis, survivors may have long term consequences including neurological injury and hearing damage. This vaccine can only prevent pneumoccal disease caused by the 7 strains mentioned above. It is quite effective against invasive disease and less effective against ear infections.

This vaccine is given as an injection into the anterolateral thigh muscle in infants or in the deltoid muscle in toddlers and young children.

The vaccine may cause soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site. The vaccine may also cause a fever and on rare occasions, seizure from this fever. Children at increased risk for seizures may be given appropriate anti-fever medicine at about the time the vaccine is given; check with your doctor. Children with immune problems may not develop good immunity with this vaccine. This vaccine does not replace the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPV) and the PPV is still given when indicated in children above 2 years of age.

Individuals with prior severe reactions to this vaccine may not be able to receive another dose. Check with your doctor regarding this issue and for any other contraindications for this vaccine. Also check with your doctor to find out what other ingredients may be in the vaccine, its container, or any diluent in case of allergies or other concerns. Immunization is usually postponed for individuals with a moderate or severe acute illness.

• Age </= 2 years
• Age </= 5 years in children with immune problems or immunosuppression for medications or radiation, no spleen or damaged spleen, sickle cell disease, HIV, chronic illness
• Possibly children under 3 years
• Possibly children in group day care, or of Alaskan Native, American Indian, or African American descent