New PCV7 recommendations

May 2008

Updated recommendations for the use of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in children aged 24 to 59 months have been published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

At the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting in October 2007, the Pneumococcal Vaccines Work Group presented data regarding the safety and immunogenicity of PCV7 (Prevnar, Wyeth) among children in this age group, current rates of PCV7-type invasive disease, post-licensure vaccine effectiveness and vaccine coverage rates.

Based on these data, the ACIP revised its recommendation for use of the vaccine among children aged 24 to 59 months as follows:

• For all healthy children who have not completed any recommended schedule for PCV7, administer one dose of PCV7.
• For all children with underlying medical conditions who have received three doses, administer one dose of PCV7.
• For all children with underlying medical conditions who have received fewer than three doses, administer two doses of PCV7 at least eight weeks apart.

Previously published recommendations regarding use of the vaccine in children aged 2 to 23 months, the list of underlying medical or immunocompromising conditions and use of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in children aged 2 years and older with previous doses of PCV7 remain unchanged.

For more information:

• CDC. Updated recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for use of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in children aged 24-59 months who are not completely vaccinated. MMWR. 2008;57:343-344.