Which underlying medical conditions indicate that a child age 6 through 18 years should receive PCV13?

A single dose of PCV13 should be given to children ages 6 –18 years who have not received PCV13 before and have anatomic or functional asplenia (including sickle cell disease), immunocompromising conditions (such as HIV infection), cochlear implant, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Routine use of PCV13 is not recommended for healthy children 5 years of age or older.

When elective splenectomy, immunocompromising therapy, or cochlear implant placement is being planned, PCV13 and/or PPSV23 vaccination (as needed) should be completed at least 2 weeks before surgery or initiation of therapy. For people not vaccinated 2 weeks prior, vaccinate as soon as possible.

For a complete explanation of pneumococcal vaccination recommendations for ages 6 through 18 years, CDC has summarized the recommendations here: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/hcp/who-when-to-vaccinate.html#children-6-18.