- Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) -- a group of potentially life-threatening diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, such as bacterial meningitis and bacteremia
- Ear infections caused by certain strains of S. pneumoniae.
(Click Prevnar Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns
Prevnar does not contain thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative). Parents who are concerned about exposing their children to thimerosal can be confident that this vaccine has no thimerosal (not even trace amounts). Some parents are concerned about aluminum content of vaccines; Prevnar contains 0.125 mg of aluminum per dose.
This vaccine is not made from human fetal components or animal components, as some vaccines are.
Prevnar is made by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Simply stated, the antigens in Prevnar "trick" the body into thinking it has been exposed to pneumococcal bacteria. The body produces antibodies that will help fight the bacteria if future exposure occurs.
A different pneumococcal vaccine ( Pneumovax®) was available long before Prevnar and is used to prevent pneumococcal disease in adults and children over two years of age. However, the vaccine does not work well in infants and toddlers, since their immune systems are too immature to respond adequately to the vaccine.
Prevnar was developed specifically in a way to allow the young immune systems of infants and toddlers to respond to the vaccine. The bacterial antigens in Prevnar are bound or "conjugated" to a non-toxic diphtheria protein; this change produces a much better immune response in young children.
When and How to Get Vaccinated
Some general considerations include the following:
- This vaccine is given as one to four doses, depending on the age when the first dose is given (the older the child, the fewer doses that are given).
- The healthcare provider should shake the vial well before using Prevnar and should not combine Prevnar with any other vaccines in the same syringe.
- Children can be vaccinated if they have a minor illness, such as the common cold. However, the vaccine should be postponed if your child is moderately or severely ill.
Prevnar Dosing Information
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this vaccine, although the exact vaccine "schedule" varies, depending on the age of the child at the first dose.
As with any vaccine, Prevnar may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the vaccine will experience side effects. In fact, most children tolerate it well, with only minor side effects (if any).
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- Decreased appetite.
(Click Prevnar Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Getting It?
You should talk to a healthcare provider before your child receives this vaccine if your child is moderately to severely ill or has:
- A bleeding disorder (or is taking an anticoagulant)
- An immune-suppressing condition such as HIV or AIDS, diabetes, or cancer
- Had any sort of a reaction to any vaccine in the past
- A history of febrile seizures
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Make sure to tell the healthcare provider about all of the medicines your child takes, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Storage Methods for Prevnar
Prevnar should be stored in the refrigerator. It should not be frozen.
The vaccine is available in 0.5 mL prefilled syringes.
Is There a Generic Version of Prevnar?
|
|
