Prevnar 13 is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine developed by the company Pfizer. It is designed to protect against infections caused by 13 different strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium res...
Prevnar 13 is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that was licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 for the prevention of pneumococcal disease. It contains 13 types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, the most common cause of invasive pneumococcal disease. Prevnar 13 is used in children and adults and is recommended for routine vaccination of all children under the age of 2 years, as well as for individuals aged 2-64 years who are at high risk of pneumococcal disease.
In addition to Prevnar 13, there are other pneumococcal vaccines available, including a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Prevnar 13 is a newer vaccine and provides coverage for different strains of pneumococcal bacteria than PPSV23. In 2022, a 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15; Vaxneuvance) was also approved by the FDA for use in adults and is expected to replace Prevnar 13 over time.
Like all vaccines , Prevnar 13 can cause side effects, although most are mild and go away on their own. Common side effects include redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site, as well as fever, chills, and headache. More serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions and Guillain-Barré syndrome, are rare.
Overall, Prevnar 13 is an important tool for preventing pneumococcal disease and its complications, including meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis, particularly in high-risk populations such as young children, older adults, and individuals with certain medical conditions. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about Prevnar 13 or any other vaccines.