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Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (Prevnar™)
What is pneumococcal disease?
• Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by a
bacteria.
• It is spread by nasal droplets, or by mouth-to-mouth
contact.
• In Canada, pneumococcal disease is the leading cause of
pneumonia, acute middle ear infections and invasive
bacterial infections in children. It is also a leading cause of
childhood meningitis (an infection of the covering of the
brain).
• About 15 children under the age of 5 die each year in
Canada, due to pneumococcal disease.
• Survivors of pneumococcal disease can develop hearing
loss, seizures, mental retardation.
What does Prevnar™ vaccine contain?
• 7 strains of pneumococcal antigen.
• Diphtheria protein (non-protective), aluminum phosphate, • Trace amounts of yeast extract and casamino acids may
be present from manufacturing.
• The syringe plunger and cap contains latex.
How effective is the vaccine?
• For infants who have completed the series:
- between 89 - 97% are protected against invasive
disease.
- the incidence of any acute middle ear infection is 7%
less.
- the incidence of pneumonia is 10% less.
How long does the protection last?
• Unknown; at least 18 months
Who should receive this
vaccine?
• Children ages 2, 4, 6 and 18 months.
• In Saskatchewan, until 2010, vaccine is free to children
under the age of 5 years who are at increased risk due
to:
- sickle cell disease; congenital or acquired asplenia, or
splenic dysfunction
- infection with human immunodeficiency virus
- congenital immune deficiency
- diseases associated with immunosuppressive therapy or
radiation therapy
- chronic heart disease
- chronic lung disease (excluding asthma)
- cerebrospinal fluid leaks
- diabetes
- cochlear implant recipients (pre and/or post implant)
• In Saskatchewan, vaccine is free to all children born on or
after February 1, 2005.
Who should not receive the
vaccine?
• Children younger than six weeks or 9 years of age or
older.
• Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to
the vaccine or any of its components.
• Children with moderate to severe illness may have to
delay immunization.
• Not recommended for pregnant women.
How is the vaccine given?
• By injection into a muscle.
• Do not inject into the buttocks.
When should the vaccine be
given?
• In Saskatchewan at 2, 4, 6 months and a booster at 18
months.
• Protection is best if your child has the entire series at the
recommended ages. Your public health nurse can
recommend a schedule for children not on the above
schedule.
• High risk children ages 2 - 4 years should also receive a
dose of
23 valent pneumococcal vaccine after the age of
2.
What might be felt after
receiving the vaccine?
Very Common (greater than 10%)
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site.
- Diarrhea, vomiting decreased appetite.
- Fever.
- Drowsiness, restless sleep, irritability.
Uncommon (Between 0.1% and 1 %)
Rare (Between 0.01% and 0.1%)
- Seizures (including febrile seizures), hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode.
Call one of the numbers below if you have severe or unusual
reactions.
For more information contact Public Health Services at:
- North Health Centre: (306) 655-4700
- Our Neighbourhood Health Centre: (306) 655-4950
- South East Health Centre: (306) 655-4730
- West Winds Primary Health Centre: (306) 655-4275
- International Travel Centre: (306) 655-4780
© 2008, Saskatoon Health Region. Reproduced only by permission.
(Updated January 4, 2010)
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