What is the required age for children to start receiving the Prevnar 13 (PCV13) vaccine?

The Prevnar 13 (PCV13) vaccine is designed to help protect children against pneumococcal diseases, which can cause serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the vaccine series begin at 6 weeks of age, making this the appropriate time frame for administering the first dose.

The vaccine is typically given as a part of a sequence of doses, with subsequent doses scheduled at specific intervals during early childhood. Beginning vaccination at 6 weeks allows young children, who are particularly vulnerable to infections, to receive protection at an early age when they are at higher risk.

Other age options mentioned, such as at birth, 1 year old, or 2 years old, do not align with the recommended immunization schedule for the PCV13 vaccine, making them less suitable. Thus, starting the vaccination at 6 weeks old is both evidence-based and aligned with pediatric recommendations.