2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Preparation for Administration
Since this product is a suspension containing an adjuvant, shake vigorously immediately prior to use to obtain a homogenous, white suspension in the vaccine container. Do not use the vaccine if it cannot be resuspended. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration [see Description (11)]. This product should not be used if particulate matter or discoloration is found.
Do not mix Prevnar 13 with other vaccines/products in the same syringe.
2.2 Administration Information
For intramuscular injection only.
Each 0.5 mL dose is to be injected intramuscularly using a sterile needle attached to the supplied prefilled syringe. The preferred sites for injection are the anterolateral aspect of the thigh in infants and the deltoid muscle of the upper arm in toddlers, children and adults. The vaccine should not be injected in the gluteal area or areas where there may be a major nerve trunk and/or blood vessel.
2.3 Vaccination Schedule for Infants and Toddlers
Prevnar 13 is to be administered as a four-dose series at 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months of age.
| Dose | Dose 1*,† | Dose 2† | Dose 3† | Dose 4‡ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age at Dose | 2 months | 4 months | 6 months | 12–15 months |
2.4 Vaccination Schedule for Unvaccinated Children 7 Months Through 5 Years of Age
For children 7 months through 5 years of age who have not received Prevnar® or Prevnar 13, the catch-up schedule in Table 2 applies:
| Age at First Dose | Total Number of 0.5 mL Doses |
|---|---|
| 7–11 months of age | 3* |
| 12–23 months of age | 2† |
| 24 months through 5 years of age (prior to the 6th birthday) | 1 |
The immune responses induced by this catch-up schedule may result in lower antibody concentrations for some serotypes, compared to antibody concentrations following 4 doses of Prevnar 13 (given at 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months). In children 24 months through 5 years of age, lower antibody concentrations were observed for some serotypes, compared to antibody concentrations following 3 doses of Prevnar 13 (given at 2, 4, and 6 months).