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FDA Approves Prevnar 13 (PCV13) to Replace PCV7

The Food and Drug Administration approved Prevnar 13™ (PCV13), on February 24, 2010. PCV13 is a vaccine that protects against six additional pneumococcal strains; it replaces PCV7 in the routine infant immunization schedule. The ACIP recommends PCV13 for all children ages 2 to 59 months and for children younger than 71 months with chronic illnesses.

On April 1, 2010, EmblemHealth, GHI and HIP began covering PCV13 for members not eligible for the Vaccines for Children program, using the CPT code 90670. The current rate for the PCV13 vaccine is $117.32.

PCV13 has also replaced PCV7 on the Vaccines for Children program’s list of vaccines. Practitioners registered with the VFC program may order this and other vaccines through the program by calling 1-800-KID-SHOT (1-800-543-7468). Enrollment registration forms are available from the Web site.