PCV-13 Vaccine To Replace PCV-7

The CDC has now officially recommended that the new 13-strain pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13; Prevnar-13) replace the 7-strain vaccine which has been in use since 2000. The 7-strain vaccine has been very effective at reducing invasive disease from the pneumococcal germ, such as meningitis and pneumonia, as well as ear infections. Several strains not in the old vaccine have become more common, effectively replacing the strains in the vaccine. The new vaccine will further reduce infections from this dangerous bacterial infection.

CDC. Prevention of Pneumococcal Disease Among Infants and Children — Use of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR 2010: 59(RR11);1-18.