In a new policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) announced childhood immunization recommendations for use of the newest form of the pneumococcal vaccine.

The pneumococcal vaccine is supposed to help prevent childhood diseases caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus. These infections are the most common invasive bacterial infections in children in the United States, and cause about 1,400 cases of meningitis, 17,000 cases of bloodstream infections, and 71,000 cases of pneumonia every year in children under age 5.

The new AAP guidelines state that the vaccine (PCV7) is recommended for use in all children 23 months of age and younger. The policy recommends that it be given concurrently with other recommended childhood vaccines at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months. The number of doses required depends upon the age at which vaccination is initiated.

The vaccine is also recommended for all children 24 to 59 months of age who are at especially high risk of invasive pneumococcal infection. This includes children with sickle cell disease, HIV infection, and other children who have compromised immune systems.

To see the AAP's official policy statement CLICK HERE.

American Academy of Pediatrics