Pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine (Intramuscular)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Vaxneuvance

In Canada

• Prevnar

Available Dosage Forms:

• Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Vaccine

Uses for pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine

Pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to prevent infection caused by certain types of pneumococcal bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae). It works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.

Pneumococcal infection can cause serious problems, such as pneumonia (which affects the lungs), meningitis (which affects the brain), bacteremia (which is a severe infection in the blood).

This vaccine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

Before using pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine

In deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of taking the vaccine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this vaccine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Vaxneuvance™ in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Vaxneuvance™ in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this vaccine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Immune system problems—This vaccine may not work as well in patients with a weak immune system.

Proper use of pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine

A nurse or other trained healt...