What is the recommended administration schedule for the PREVENAR 13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) vaccine?

PREVENAR 13 Vaccine Administration Schedule

The recommended administration schedule for PREVENAR 13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) varies by age and risk factors, with infants receiving a 4-dose series at 2,4,6, and 12-15 months of age, while adults aged ≥65 years should receive one dose based on shared clinical decision-making unless they have specific risk factors. 1

Infant and Child Administration Schedule (Birth to 5 years)

Standard Schedule for Infants Starting at 2 Months

• 4-dose series recommended at ages 2,4,6, and 12-15 months 1
• Minimum interval between doses is 4 weeks for the primary series 1
• The fourth (booster) dose should be administered at 12-15 months and at least 8 weeks after the third dose 1

Children Starting Vaccination at 7-11 Months

• 3 doses total: 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart, followed by a third dose at 12-15 months (at least 8 weeks after the second dose) 1

Children Starting Vaccination at 12-23 Months

• 2 doses total with an interval of at least 8 weeks between doses 1

Children Starting Vaccination at 24-59 Months (Healthy)

• 1 dose for previously unvaccinated or with incomplete schedule 1

Children 24-71 Months with Underlying Medical Conditions

• 2 doses for unvaccinated or with incomplete schedule of <3 doses (with at least 8 weeks between doses) 1
• 1 dose for those with incomplete schedule of 3 doses 1
• 1 supplemental dose for those who completed PCV7 series 1

Children 6-18 Years with High-Risk Conditions

• A single dose of PCV13 for children who have not received PCV13 previously and have:
  • Anatomic or functional asplenia (including sickle cell disease)
  • Immunocompromising conditions (including HIV infection)
  • Cochlear implant
  • Cerebrospinal fluid leaks 1

Adults Aged ≥65 Years

• PCV13 is no longer routinely recommended for all adults aged ≥65 years 1
• Instead, shared clinical decision-making is recommended for PCV13 use in adults ≥65 years who do not have immunocompromising conditions, CSF leaks, or cochlear implants 1
• If PCV13 is administered, PPSV23 should be given ≥1 year after PCV13 1

Adults with Specific Medical Conditions

• Adults with immunocompromising conditions, cochlear implants, or CSF leaks should receive:
  • 1 dose of PCV13 if no previous PCV13 vaccination 1
  • Followed by PPSV23 at least 8 weeks after PCV13 1
  • For those ≥65 years, an additional dose of PPSV23 at least 5 years after any previous PPSV23 dose 1

Important Administration Considerations

• When elective splenectomy, immunocompromising therapy, or cochlear implant placement is planned, complete PCV13 vaccination at least 2 weeks before the procedure or therapy 1
• For children who previously received PCV7, a supplemental dose of PCV13 is recommended to provide protection against additional serotypes 1
• Minimum interval between any PCV13 doses is 8 weeks 1

Special Populations

• For children with underlying medical conditions who received PPSV23, PCV13 should be administered at least 8 weeks after the most recent dose of PPSV23 1
• American Indian/Alaska Native children without underlying medical conditions do not routinely need PPSV23 after completing the PCV13 series 1

PCV13 has been shown to be effective in preventing vaccine-type pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease, which directly impacts morbidity and mortality outcomes 2.