The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, also known as Prevenar 13, is a vaccine that helps protect the body against 13 different types of the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae , responsible for diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, bacteremia or otitis media, for example.
The first dose of the vaccine should be given to the baby from 6 weeks of age onwards, and two more doses should be administered with a 2-month interval between them, and a booster between 12 and 14 months, to ensure better protection.. In adults, the vaccine only needs to be applied once.
This vaccine is produced by Pfizer laboratories and recommended by ANVISA, however, it is not included in the vaccination schedule, and must be purchased and administered at vaccination clinics, for a price of around 200 reais per dose. However, SUS already distributes this vaccine free of charge to cancer patients, people with HIV and transplant recipients.
What is it for
Prevenar 13 helps protect against diseases caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae , and is therefore a way to decrease the chances of developing the following infectious diseases:
- Meningitis, which is an infection in the membrane that covers the central nervous system; Sepsis, a generalized infection that can cause multiple organ failure; Bacteremia, which is a bloodstream infection; Pneumonia, which is an infection in the lungs; Otitis media, an ear infection.
This vaccine protects the body from these diseases, because it helps to create its own antibodies against these diseases.
How to use
The Prevenar 13 vaccine should be administered by a healthcare professional.
The form of administration of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine varies according to the age at which the first dose is given, with 3 doses being recommended between 2 and 6 months of age, approximately 2 months apart, and the booster between 12 and 15 months old.
After 2 years of age, a single dose is recommended and, in adults, the single dose of the vaccine can be given at any age, however, it is generally recommended after 50 years or in people with asthma, high blood pressure, COPD or with diseases that affect the immune system.
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects that may occur during treatment with Prevenar 13 are decreased appetite, irritability, drowsiness, restless sleep, fever and redness, induration, swelling, pain or tenderness at the vaccination site.
Who should not use
Prevenar 13 should not be administered to people who are hypersensitive to any of its components, and should be avoided in cases of fever.
