Vaccine Information
It is important to consult your child's pediatrician or other health care professional. He or she will have the most up-to-date information about vaccines and can make sure your child is caught up.
Ask your child's doctor about the vaccine called Prevnar® for infants and toddlers. With Prevnar®, you can help protect them from certain pneumococcal bacteria that can cause serious diseases such as meningitis (an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) and bacteremia (an infection of the blood). Prevnar® is approved for use in infants and toddlers as part of the routine recommended vaccination schedule. For the vaccine schedule of previously unvaccinated older infants and children, it is important to consult your child's doctor.
Indication
Prevnar® is indicated for active immunization of infants and toddlers against serious invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including bacteremia (bloodstream infection) and meningitis (infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) caused by the seven serotypes in the vaccine. The seven serotypes (strains) of S. pneumoniae included in the vaccine (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F) were the strains that most commonly caused these serious diseases in children prior to the introduction of the vaccine. The routine schedule is 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age.
Prevnar® is also indicated for immunization of infants and toddlers against otitis media (ear infections) caused by the seven serotypes in the vaccine. Protection against ear infections is expected to be less than that for invasive disease.
As with any vaccine, Prevnar® may not protect all individuals receiving the vaccine from serious invasive disease caused by S. pneumoniae. This vaccine should not be used for treatment of active infection.
Important
Safety Information
Ask your child's health care provider about the risks and benefits of Prevnar® and if Prevnar® is right for your child.
In clinical studies, the most frequently reported adverse events included injection site reactions, fever
(
38ºC/100.4ºF), irritability, drowsiness, restless sleep, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.
Risks are associated with all vaccines, including Prevnar®. Hypersensitivity to any vaccine component, including diphtheria toxoid, is a contraindication to its use. Prevnar® does not protect 100% of children vaccinated. Immunization with Prevnar® does not substitute for routine diphtheria immunization.
Please see Prescribing Information.
