What pneumococcal (PNuemo) vaccine is recommended for a 2-month-old?

From the Guidelines

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, brand name Prevnar 13) is recommended for a 2-month-old infant. This vaccine protects against 13 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria that can cause serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections 1. The initial dose is given at 2 months of age, followed by additional doses at 4 months, 6 months, and a booster dose between 12-15 months. Each dose is 0.5 mL administered as an intramuscular injection, typically in the anterolateral thigh muscle. This vaccination schedule is crucial for developing adequate immunity in infants whose immune systems are still developing. The PCV13 vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the bacterial capsular polysaccharides, providing protection before the child faces natural exposure to these potentially dangerous bacteria.

Some key points to consider when administering the PCV13 vaccine include:

• The vaccine is approved for use among children aged 6 weeks–71 months and replaces PCV7, which is made by the same manufacturer 1.
• PCV13 contains the seven serotypes included in PCV7 (serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F) and six additional serotypes (1,3,5, 6A, 7F, and 19A) 1.
• The vaccine is also approved for the prevention of otitis media caused by the seven serotypes also covered by PCV7; no efficacy data for prevention of otitis media are available for the six additional serotypes 1.
• Side effects are generally mild and may include irritability, decreased appetite, increased or decreased sleep, redness or tenderness at the injection site, and low-grade fever.

It's essential to follow the recommended vaccination schedule to ensure the child develops adequate immunity against pneumococcal disease. The ACIP recommends routine vaccination with PCV13 for all children aged 2–59 months, with a 4-dose series at ages 2,4,6, and 12–15 months 1. Infants and children who have received ≥1 dose of PCV7 should complete the immunization series with PCV13. 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. For children who have underlying medical conditions, a supplemental PCV13 dose is recommended through age 71 months.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines for 2-Month-Old Infants

• The recommended pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for a 2-month-old infant is typically administered as part of a series of doses, with the first dose given at 2 months of age 2.
• The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is a commonly used vaccine that provides protection against 13 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae 3, 4, 5.
• PCV13 can be administered in a 3 + 1 schedule, with doses given at 2,4, and 6 months of age, followed by a booster dose at 12-15 months of age 6, 4.
• Another option is the 2 + 1 schedule, with doses given at 2 and 4 months of age, followed by a booster dose at 12 months of age 3.
• The choice of vaccine schedule may depend on various factors, including the child's health status and the presence of any underlying medical conditions.

Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety

• Studies have shown that PCV13 is effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease and acute otitis media in children under 5 years of age 4.
• The vaccine has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, with common adverse events including local reactions and fever 2, 5.
• The safety and reactogenicity of PCV13 are generally similar to those of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) 5.

Additional Considerations

• The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all infants and children under 24 months of age receive PCV13 2.
• The vaccine is also indicated for children 24 to 59 months of age who are at high risk for pneumococcal infection 2.
• Healthcare providers should consult the latest guidelines and recommendations for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine administration in their region.