Prevnar 20™
This product is manufactured by Pfizer Canada Inc. using the ingredient Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Pneu-C-20).
This product is taken via intramuscular injection.
Why is it prescribed?
Pneu-C-20 is indicated for the prevention of pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) (including sepsis, meningitis, bacteremic pneumonia, pleural empyema and bacteremia) caused by Streptococcus
pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F in adults 18 years of age and older.
Do not get this vaccine if you have a serious illness or high fever. However, a mild fever or upper respiratory infection itself is not a reason to delay vaccination.
Prevnar 20™ will only protect against the strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the vaccine, therefore, it will not protect 100% of people that receive it from getting pneumonia.
Alternatives
See other products used in the treatment of •pneumonia •
The dosage for adults 18 years and older is 0.5 ml given by intramuscular injection.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Pneu-C-20) is made up of 20 strains of pneumococcal (pneumonia) bacteria combined with a carrier protein. When injected, the vaccine in the body familiarizes the immune system to the pneumococcal bacteria. If the person is exposed to the bacteria again, the immune system can mount a quick, specific attack against the bacteria and ultimately resist infection. Protection offered by this vaccine is only against those strains of bacteria from which the vaccine is prepared.
Along with its needed effects, this vaccine may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, it is well tolerated and most people experience only minor unwanted effects. Possible side effects include:
- injection site reactions (e.g. redness, mild pain)
- fever
- headache
- drowsiness
- irritability
- joint/muscle pain
Uncommon:
- allergic reaction (e.g. rash, wheezing, difficulty breathing)
People with impaired immune responsiveness, whether due to the use of immunosuppressive therapy (e.g. corticosteroids), a genetic defect, HIV infection, or other causes, may have a reduced response to this vaccine. This vaccine may not protect 100% of individuals receiving the vaccine.
Use is not recommended in the following situations:
- prior severe allergic reaction to pneumococcal vaccine
- allergy to any component of the vaccine
As with other vaccines administered intramuscularly, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine should be given with caution to individuals with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder since bleeding may occur following an IM injection in these subjects.
Administration of pneumococcal vaccine should be postponed if suffering from severe acute illness. Immunization should not be delayed because of minor acute illness, with or without fever.
Use in pregnancy: there is no evidence to suggest that the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine poses a risk to the fetus or to the pregnancy.
Use in breastfeeding: Breastfeeding women can be vaccinated with the pneumococcal vaccine.