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Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV7)

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) contains 7 serotypes of the pneumoncoccal bacteria. It is recommended for all children less than 23 months of age and high-risk children aged 24-59 months.

The routine schedule for PCV7 is 4 doses, one dose at each of these ages:

• 2 months.
• 4 months.
• 6 months.
• 12-15 months.

Children who were not vaccinated at these ages can still get the vaccine. The number of doses needed depends on the child’s age. Ask your health care provider for details.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is also recommended for children between 2 and 5 years old who have not already had the vaccine and are at high risk of serious pneumococcal disease. This includes children who:

• Have sickle cell disease.
• Have a damaged spleen or no spleen.
• Have HIV/AIDS.
• Have other diseases that affect the immune system, such as diabetes, cancer, or liver disease.
• Take medications that affect the immune system, such as chemotherapy or steroids.
• Have chronic heart or lung disease.

The vaccine should be considered for all other children under age 5 years, especially those at higher risk of serious pneumococcal disease.

This includes children who:

• Are under age 3 years.
• Are of Native Alaskan, American Indian, or African American descent.
• Attend child care. 

The number of doses needed depends on the child’s age. Ask your health care provider for more details.

 

Last Update: 06/24/2008 02:51 PM

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