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Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine) is a vaccine indicated for active immunization against invasive pneumococcal disease in infants and young children.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for Prevnar 13 (Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine [Diphtheria CRM197 Protein]) for active immunization of children 6 weeks through 5 years of age for the prevention of invasive disease caused by 13 Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F. Prevnar 13 is also indicated for the prevention of otitis media caused by serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F.

Invasive pneumococcal disease includes sepsis and bacteremia (bloodstream infections), meningitis (inflammation of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord), bacteremic pneumonia, and empyema (accumulation of pus in the cavity surrounding the lungs).

Prevnar 13 is recommended to be administered as a 4-dose series at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age. Children who have received one or more doses of Prevnar may complete the 4-dose immunization series with Prevnar 13. Children 15 months through 5 years of age who have received four doses of Prevnar may receive one dose of Prevnar 13 to elicit immune responses to the six additional serotypes. The immune responses induced by this Prevnar 13 transition schedule may result in lower antibody concentrations for the six additional serotypes (types 1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F, and 19A), compared to antibody concentrations following four doses of Prevnar 13 (given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months). The clinical relevance of these lower antibody responses is not known.

The vaccine is administered in a four-dose schedule given at 2, 4, 6 and 12-15 months of age. The vaccine is available in single-dose, pre-filled syringes.

Prevnar 13 is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Collegeville, Pa., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pfizer Inc.

Prevnar 13 Side Effects
The most common side effects are redness, swelling and tenderness at the injection site, fever, decreased appetite, irritability, increased sleep, and decreased sleep. Any side effects associated with the vaccination should be reported to your child’s health care provider.