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Prevnar 13

pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine
Used for Pneumonia
Used for Pneumonia

Prevnar 13 is a vaccine that prevents you from getting sick from a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as "pneumococcus"). This bacteria can cause many types of infections, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections. But only certain people need this vaccine, so it's best to ask your provider to see if Prevnar 13 is right for you. Prevnar 13 is one of four vaccines currently available to prevent pneumococcal disease.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Ashley Wong, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 11, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsLatest newsPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Prevnar 13?

What is Prevnar 13 used for?

  • Prevention of pneumococcal disease (infections caused by pneumococcus) in people 6 weeks and older

  • Prevention of ear infections caused by pneumococcus in children 6 weeks to 5 years old

How Prevnar 13 works

Prevnar 13 is a vaccine that protects you against pneumococcal disease, an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as "pneumococcus"). This bacteria can infect many parts of the body and cause serious problems.

Prevnar 13 is a conjugate vaccine that can protect you against 13 types of Streptococcus pneumoniae. It helps your body's immune system make antibodies that will attack the bacteria if it ever infects you.

Are you looking for information on Vaxneuvance (pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine), Pneumovax 23 (pneumococcal polyvalent vaccine), or Prevnar 20 (pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPrevnar 13
Drug ClassVaccine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$266.73(save 17.52%)
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$220.00
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What are the side effects of Prevnar 13?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Irritability
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in sleep
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Fever
  • Redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain at the site of injection
  • Low appetite

Other Side Effects

  • Rash
  • Chills
  • Vomiting
  • Limited arm movement

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reactions: hives, dizziness, fever, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Prevnar 13

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Pros

Works well to protect against serious infections from pneumococcus

Used in both adults and children

People ages 6 years and older typically only need 1 dose

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Cons

Needs to be injected into the muscle by a healthcare professional

Brand name only, which can be expensive

Can't receive Prevnar 13 if you've had an allergic reaction to diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccines (e.g, DTaP or Tdap) in the past

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Prevnar 13

pharmacist

  • Ask your provider if Prevnar 13 is right for you before you receive this vaccine because it might not be appropriate for everyone.

    • Prevnar 13 is injected into the muscle, typically in the shoulder of toddlers, children, and adults. Infants are usually given the injection in the thigh.

      • Wait until you are healthy to get the Prevnar 13. This will help make sure your immune system protects you as best as it can. If you have a mild sickness, such as a cold, you can still get Prevnar 13. But if you feel moderately to severely sick, wait until you recover before getting this vaccine.

        • Make sure to keep a record of all your immunizations and show it to your provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccine, including Prevnar 13. This is helpful for your provider or pharmacist in figuring out what vaccines you need.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Prevnar 13

          Who should get Prevnar 13?
          Four doses of Prevnar 13 is recommended for infants and young children. Older children (through age 59 months) can be vaccinated if they didn't receive the recommended four-dose series. Prevnar 13 is also recommended for people 6 years or older with certain medical conditions. Finally, healthy adults age 65 years or older who haven't received Prevnar 13 can discuss with their provider whether or not this vaccine is needed. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you aren't sure if you need to receive Prevnar 13.
          Why is it important to get Prevnar 13 if I need it?
          Prevnar 13 targets pneumococcus, which is a bacteria that can cause serious and life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia or meningitis. Just like all vaccines, receiving Prevnar 13 doesn't guarantee you won't get an infection from pneumococcus. But it will lower your risk of severe symptoms if you were to get infected with pneumococcus because your body would've already made antibodies against the bacteria.
          Where can I go to receive Prevnar 13?
          Prevnar 13 is given as an injection into the muscle by a healthcare provider. It's not a vaccination you can pickup at the pharmacy and give to yourself at home. You can usually receive Prevnar 13 at your provider's office or your local pharmacy, but it might also be available at certain community sites (e.g., health clinics, schools, workplaces).
          What's the difference between Prevnar 13, Pneumovax 23, Prevnar 20, and Vaxneuvance?
          Prevnar 13, Pneumovax 23, Prevnar 20, and Vaxneuvance are 4 types of pneumococcal vaccines approved by the FDA. Each vaccine protects you from a different number of types of pneumococcus. But one of the main differences between them is whether or not they're recommended by the CDC in its vaccine schedules. Currently, only Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23 are part of the CDC's vaccine schedules. Prevnar 13 is commonly given to children under 2 years old and Pneumovax 23 is commonly given to people 65 years and older. But both Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax can be given to people in other age groups with certain medical conditions. Prevnar 20 and Vaxneuvance are newer vaccines that haven't been included in the CDC's vaccine schedules yet. Both Prevnar 20 and Vaxneuvance are approved for use in adults 18 years of age and older. Refer to this article for more information on the differences and similarities between Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23.
          My provider told me I should receive the pneumonia vaccine. Do I need to receive both Pneumovax 23 and Prevnar 13?
          It depends. Some people might need to get both vaccines if they have certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney failure, history of an organ transplant, certain types of cancers, or HIV infection. It's best to ask your provider which pneumococcal vaccine you should get. If you need to receive both, it's recommended you get Prevnar 13 first, and then wait at least 8 weeks to get your dose of Pneumovax 23 (pneumococcal polyvalent vaccine). You still might need additional doses of Pneumovax 23 afterwards. If you receive Pneumovax 23 first, you'll have to wait at least 1 year to receive your dose of Prevnar 13. You still might need an additional dose of Pneumovax 23 afterwards.
          Does Prevnar 13 contain latex?
          The cap and rubber plunger of the syringe isn't made with natural rubber latex.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Prevnar 13?

          Prevnar 13 can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Severe allergic reactions

          As with any vaccine, there's a small chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to Prevnar 13. Your provider might ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after you've received your vaccine to make sure you can get proper care in case of a serious allergic reaction. Sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as feeling faint, swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives or rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.

          risk-warning

          Lower response to Prevnar 13

          • Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower your immune system

            Prevnar 13 might not work as well in people with a weak immune system. This can put you at higher risk of pneumococcal infections, even after you've received the vaccine. If you have any medical conditions, such as HIV or cancer, or take medications that weaken your immune system, such as high-dose corticosteroids or transplant medications, don't receive Prevnar 13 until you've spoken with your provider.

            risk-warning

            Breathing issues (apnea) in premature babies

            • Risk factors: Premature birth

              Vaccines that are injected into the muscle, like Prevnar 13, can raise the risk of apnea in babies who were born prematurely. This is a condition where babies have a temporary pause in their breathing, with or without a slowed heart rate or low oxygen level. If your baby was born prematurely, be sure to discuss the benefits and risks of receiving Prevnar 13 with your child's provider.

              dosage

              Prevnar 13 dosage forms

              The average cost for 1 syringe of 0.5ml of Prevnar 13 is $220.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 17.52% off the average retail price of $266.73.
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              Syringe
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              0.5ml1 syringe$220.00$220.00

              Typical dosing for Prevnar 13

              • Infants and toddlers: Prevnar 13 is typically administered as a four-dose series at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months. Each dose is 1 injection (0.5 mL) into the muscle.

              • Children ages 7 months to 5 years old: If your child hasn't received Prevnar 13 in the past, your child's provider will determine how many doses of the vaccine your child needs based on their age. Each dose is 1 injection (0.5 mL) into the muscle.

              • People ages 6 years and older: The typical dose is 1 injection (0.5 mL) into the muscle.

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              How much does Prevnar 13 cost?

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              Prevnar 13 (brand)
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              contraindications-icon

              Prevnar 13 contraindications

              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Prevnar 13 will not be safe for you to take.

              • Allergy to any diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine (e.g., DT, Td, DTaP, Tdap, Adacel, or Boostrix)

              latest news

              What is the latest news about Prevnar 13?

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              8 Prevnar 13 Side Effects and How to Manage Them

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              Prevnar 13 Overview: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More

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