Adult Dosing
Pediatric Dosing
Immunization
- 0.5 mL IM x 3 at approximately 2-month intervals, followed by a fourth dose of 0.5 mL at 12-15 months of age
- Usually, the first dose is given at 2 months of age, but can be given as young as 6 wks of age
- Recommended dose interval is 4-8 wks; administer fourth dose at least 2 months after the third dose
Previously unvaccinated older infants and children
- 7-11 months: 0.5 mL IM x 3. Administer 2 doses at least 4 wks apart and the third dose after the one-year birthday. Administer the third dose at least 2 months after the second dose
- 12-23 months: 0.5 mL IM x 2; separate doses by at least 2 months
24 months through 9 yrs: 0.5 mL IM x 1
Notes:- Indicated for IM administration only; do not inject intravenously
- Inject IM into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh in infants or the deltoid muscle of the upper arm in toddlers and young children
- Do not inject in the gluteal area or areas where there may be a major nerve trunk and/or blood vessel
[Outline]
See Supplemental Patient Information
- This vaccine will not protect against S. pneumoniae disease other than those caused by the serotypes included in the vaccine
- Vaccine will not provide protection against other microorganisms that cause invasive infections such as bacteremia and meningitis or non-invasive infections such as otitis media
- Avoid administration of vaccine in infants or children with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder that would contraindicate IM injection unless the potential benefit clearly outweighs the risk of administration. Use cautiously in children with coagulation disorders if indicated
- Fever and rare cases of febrile seizures have been reported in children receiving this vaccine; appropriate antipyretics may be administered around the time of vaccination, to reduce the possibility of post-vaccination fever in children at higher risk of seizures
- Obtain a complete family hx, personal hx, previous immunization hx, and current health status of the patient prior to vaccine administration in order to determine any vaccine-related contraindications
- Review of vaccination history of patients for vaccine-related hypersensitivity or adverse events is recommended prior to administration. Keep epinephrine and other necessary medications readily available for management of possible acute allergic reactions
- Children with HIV infection, a genetic defect, or other causes may have decreased antibody response to active immunization due to impaired immune responsiveness
- Not recommended for use in adult population
- Vaccine does not substitute for routine diphtheria immunization
- Indicated for IM administration only; do not inject intravenously
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- Acute febrile illness
- Thrombocytopenia
- Coagulopathy
- Seizure risk
- Concurrent immunosuppressants
- Immunocompromised individuals
Supplemental Patient Information
- Inform parents and guardians of the importance of completing the immunization series for their children
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several health professional organizations, the vaccines administered to a nursing mother do not affect the safety of breastfeeding for mothers or infants and breastfeeding is not a contraindication to pneumococcal vaccine. Breastfed infants should be vaccinated according to the routine recommended schedules. This information is based upon LactMed database (available at http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT last accessed 23 June 2011). Manufacturer advises not to be used in nursing mothers.
