Pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine
Generic name: pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine [ NOO-moe-KOK-al-13-VAY-lent-KON-joo-gate-VAX-een ]
Brand name: Prevnar 13
Dosage form: intramuscular suspension (-)
Drug class:Bacterial vaccines
What is pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine?
Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by a bacteria that can infect the sinuses, inner ear, lungs, blood, and brain. These conditions can be fatal.
Pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine is used to help prevent disease caused by pneumococcal bacteria. This vaccine contains 13 different types of pneumococcal bacteria.
Pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine is for use in adults and children at least 6 weeks old.
This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the disease, but will not treat an active infection you already have.
Like any vaccine, pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Warnings
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive this vaccine if you ever had a severe allergic reaction to a pneumococcal or diphtheria toxoid vaccine.
Tell the vaccination provider if you or the child has:
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia or easy bruising; or
a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).
Before your child receives this vaccine, tell your doctor if the child was born prematurely.
You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.
Tell the vaccination provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How is this vaccine given?
This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle.
For infants and toddlers, the pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine is given in a series of shots. The first shot is usually given when the child is 6 weeks to 2 months old. The booster shots are then given at 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months of age.
If your child is 7 months to 5 years old, he or she can still receive this vaccine on the following schedule:
Age 7-11 months: Two shots at least 4 weeks apart, followed by a third shot after the child turns 1 year (at least 2 months after the second shot).
Age 12-23 months: Two shots at least 2 months apart.
Age 24 months to 5 years (before the 6th birthday): One shot.
The timing of this vaccination is very important for it to be effective. Your child's individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.
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