Earliest Age for Hib and Pneumococcal Vaccines
Both the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines can be administered as early as 6 weeks of age in healthy children. 1, 2
Minimum Age Requirements
Hib Vaccine
- The minimum age for the first dose is 6 weeks 1, 2
- The CDC recommends routinely starting the series at 2 months of age for standard scheduling 2
- Doses should be spaced at least 2 months apart 2
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
- The minimum age for PCV is 6 weeks 1
- Infants may receive the first dose as early as 6 weeks of age 3
- The routine schedule begins at 2 months of age 3, 4
Standard Vaccination Schedule
Hib Primary Series
- For PRP-T vaccines (ActHib, Pentacel, MenHibRix): Give 3 doses at 2,4, and 6 months, plus a booster at 12-15 months 2
- For PRP-OMP vaccines (PedvaxHIB, ComVax): Give 2 doses at 2 and 4 months, plus a booster at 12-15 months—no 6-month dose is needed 1, 2
Pneumococcal Primary Series
- Standard schedule: 4 doses at 2,4,6, and 12-15 months of age 3, 4
- The vaccine is recommended for universal use in all children 23 months and younger 4
Important Clinical Considerations
Vaccine Interchangeability
- Ideally, use the same conjugate vaccine throughout the entire series 2
- If the previous vaccine type is unknown, ensure infants aged 2-6 months receive a minimum of 3 total doses of any conjugate vaccine 2
Simultaneous Administration
- Both Hib and pneumococcal vaccines can be given simultaneously with other childhood vaccines including DTaP, MMR, polio, hepatitis B, and meningococcal vaccines 2
- All conjugate vaccines should be administered intramuscularly 2