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Prevnar (PNEUMOCOCCAL 13-valent CONJUGATE VACCINE)
 
 Just The Facts
 
  • Caused by a germ that can cause a number of infections such as:
    • Acute ear infection – can lead to deafness
    • Sinus infection
    • Pneumonia (lung infection)
    • Bacteremia (blood infection)
    • Meningitis ( an infection of the fluid and membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord)
    • Joint and bone infections
    • Sinus infection
  • Can result in severe disability and even death
  • Spread by kissing, coughing and sneezing. Also spread by sharing drinks, toothbrushes, toys and other objects that go in the mouth
 
Who should get Prevnar?
  • Infants and children between the ages of 2 months and 5 years.
 
Who should not get Prevnar?
  • Children who have had a bad reaction to a vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine
  • Children with severe fever
  • If your child is taking medications or has any diseases that lower the immune system or increase bleeding, talk to your doctor or Public Health Nurse
  • People who received Pneumo 23 should wait 8 weeks before getting Prevnar
  • Please speak with the Nurse if you have any of the following:
    • Heart, lung or kidney problems
    • No spleen or problems with spleen
  What if a needle is missed?
  • Your child should get the next needle as soon as possible
  • Your doctor may suggest a special “catch up” schedule depending on when your child received the first needle
 
Is Prevnar safe?
  • Yes. You may have redness, swelling and warmth where the needle went in and feel drowsy and irritable, experience loss of appetite and fever
  • Serious reactions to the vaccine are rare (e.g. hives, swelling of the mouth or throat or trouble breathing)
 
When should I call my doctor?
Call your doctor if your child has any of these problems within 3 days of getting the needle:
  • Hives
  • Crying for more than 3 hours
  • Swelling of your face or mouth
  • Trouble breathing
  • Very pale color and tiredness
  • High fever (over 39° C or 102.2° F)
  • Convulsions (muscle spasms) or seizures
  • Other serious problems  
If you have any questions speak with your health care provider.

 

   
The above information was adapted from “Canadian Immunization Guide”, 7th edition Public Health Agency of Canada”
and “Your Child’s Best Shot – A parent’s guide to vaccination”, 2nd edition Canadian Paediatric Society
 
Revised December 2010
 
 
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 December 2010 )