From the Guidelines
Prevnar 20 is not currently approved for use in children, and the recommended pneumococcal vaccine for this age group is Prevnar 13 (PCV13). The use of PCV13 in children is supported by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, as outlined in the study published in MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1. According to this study, PCV13 is approved for use among children aged 6 weeks–71 months and is recommended for routine vaccination of all children aged 2–59 months.
Key Points
- PCV13 is recommended as a 4-dose series at ages 2,4,6, and 12–15 months for routine immunization of infants 1.
- Infants and children who have received ≥1 dose of PCV7 should complete the immunization series with PCV13 1.
- A single supplemental dose of PCV13 is recommended for all children aged 14–59 months who have received 4 doses of PCV7 or another age-appropriate, complete PCV7 schedule 1.
- Children with underlying medical conditions may also require additional vaccinations, such as PPSV23, after completing all recommended doses of PCV13 1.
Vaccine Formulations
The different formulations of pneumococcal vaccines, such as PCV13 and PPSV23, are used for different age groups due to immune system development and the specific pneumococcal strains that most commonly affect each age group. Parents should consult with their child's healthcare provider about the appropriate pneumococcal vaccine for their child based on age and health status.
From the FDA Drug Label
The safety of Prevnar 20 has been established in individuals 6 weeks through 17 years of age [see Adverse Reactions (6. 1)]. The effectiveness of Prevnar 20 for the prevention of invasive disease caused by S. pneumoniae serotypes 1,3,4,5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F has been established in individuals 6 weeks through 17 years of age [see Clinical Studies (14. 2)]. The effectiveness of Prevnar 20 for the prevention of otitis media caused by serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F has been established in individuals 6 weeks through 5 years of age [see Clinical Studies (14. 1)]
Prevnar 20 for Children:
- The vaccine is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in individuals 6 weeks of age and older.
- The vaccine is also indicated for the prevention of otitis media caused by S pneumoniae serotypes in individuals 6 weeks through 5 years of age.
- The safety and effectiveness of Prevnar 20 in individuals younger than 6 weeks of age have not been established 2.
- The effectiveness of Prevnar 20 for the prevention of pneumonia has not been established in individuals younger than 18 years of age 2.
From the Research
Prevnar 20 for Children
- Prevnar 20 is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by 20 different serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, such as Prevnar 20, has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of IPD and pneumonia in children 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have demonstrated that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines are highly effective in preventing vaccine-type IPD, with vaccine failure and breakthrough rates being low 6.
- The impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on IPD and pneumonia has been observed in various populations, including children with comorbid conditions and those in low-income countries 3, 5.
- The use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines has also been shown to provide herd protection, protecting children too young to be immunized, children and adults with underlying risk conditions, and the elderly 7.
- The introduction of higher-valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, such as Prevnar 20, is expected to further reduce the burden of pneumococcal disease in children and provide greater protection against IPD and pneumonia 6, 7.