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.
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
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.
Source: DailyMed
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
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
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.
Read the vaccine information statement for more information on Prevnar 13.
If you develop a severe reaction to Prevnar 13, you or your provider can report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
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.
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 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 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 | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
0.5ml | 1 syringe | $220.00 | $220.00 |
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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