Pneumococcal 13-Valent Vaccine, Diphtheria Conjugate (By injection)
NOO-moe-KOK-al 13-VAY-lent VAX-een, dif-THEER-ee-a KON-joo-gate
Prevents infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis.
Drug classes
Vaccine (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Pneumococcal 13-valent diphtheria conjugate vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to prevent infection by pneumococcal bacteria. It works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.
Pneumococcal infection can cause serious problems, such as pneumonia, which affects the lungs; meningitis, which affects the brain; and bacteremia, which is a severe infection in the blood. Pneumococcal infection is also an important cause of ear infections in children.
Unless otherwise contraindicated, immunization (vaccination) against pneumococcal disease is recommended for infants and young children 6 weeks to 5 years of age (prior to the 6th birthday), children 6 to 17 years of age (prior to the 18th birthday), or to adults 50 years of age and older.
For infants and young children, immunization requires 1 to 4 doses of the vaccine, depending on the age at the first dose. This vaccine can be given at the same time as other routine vaccinations.
This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. This vaccine is usually given as a shot into a muscle in the thigh or upper arm.
The vaccine schedule is different for different people.
Tell your doctor if your child was born prematurely. Children who were premature may need to follow a different schedule. Children under 6: This vaccine is usually given as 3 or 4 separate shots over several months. Your child’s doctor will tell you how many shots are needed and when to come back for the next one. Children over 6: This vaccine is given as a single shot. If your child recently received another pneumonia vaccine, this one should be given at least 8 weeks later. Adults over 50: This vaccine is given as a single dose.It is very important for your child to receive all of the shots for the vaccine.
Missed dose: This vaccine must be given on a fixed schedule. If your child misses a dose, call your child’s doctor for another appointment.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how this vaccine works. Tell your doctor if you are receiving a treatment or medicine that causes a weak immune system. This includes radiation treatment, steroid medicine (such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone), or cancer medicine.
When Not To Use
This vaccine is not right for everyone. You should not receive this vaccine if you had an allergic reaction to pneumococcal or diphtheria vaccine.
Warnings
Adults and adolescents: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you have a weak immune system. You may not be fully protected by this vaccine.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
High fever
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Crying, irritability, or fussiness
Pain, burning, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
Poor appetite
Sleep changes
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Prevnar, Prevnar 13
There may be other brand names for this medicine.