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In February 2010, the FDA approved a 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine (Prevnar 13) for use in children aged 6 weeks though 5 years. This vaccine covers all serotypes in the previously licensed heptavalent pneumococcal vaccine (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, 23F) plus six additional serotypes (1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F, 19A). The additional serotypes provide coverage for 62% of invasive-disease isolates in children who were not covered by the heptavalent formulation. In immunogenicity studies, antibody responses to Prevnar 13 were similar to those of Prevnar, and responses to the new serotypes were excellent. The two vaccines have similar side-effect profiles, and the recommended dosing schedules (at ages 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months) are identical. The CDC's Ad…