Prevnar 13 (PF)

This vaccine is used to help protect from infection due to a certain bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae). This bacteria can cause ear infection or other more serious infections (such as pneumonia, meningitis). Some brands are approved for use only in children, while others can be used in both children and adults.

Vaccines may not fully protect everyone who receives them.

Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.

This vaccine is injected into a muscle by a health care professional. It is usually injected into the thigh in infants or into the upper arm in toddlers, children, and adults.

The child may receive up to 4 injections. The number of injections that are given depends on the age of the child. Adults only receive 1 injection.

If the child is receiving this vaccination before spleen surgery or before receiving cancer chemotherapy or other drugs that decrease the immune system function, it should be given at least 2 weeks before these procedures to be effective. Talk to your health care professional for more information.

Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, swelling, hard lump), muscle/joint aches, or fever may occur. Ask your health care professional about taking a fever/pain reducer (e.g., acetaminophen) to help treat these symptoms. Drowsiness, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, or diarrhea may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your health care professional promptly.

Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.

Remember that your health care professional has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your health care professional.

Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your health care professional if you are allergic to it; or to other vaccines (e.g., diphtheria, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex or dry natural rubber that can be found in the product packaging), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.

Before using this vaccine, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of: vaccination/immunization history, recent illness/fever, immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment).

During pregnancy, this vaccine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your health care professional.

It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breast-feeding.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine include: drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone).

Not applicable.

It is important to receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to ask when each dose should be received and make a note of the schedule.

It is important to understand the risks and benefits of vaccinations. Discuss this with your health care professional.

Talk to your health care professional about the need for other vaccines to prevent possibly severe illness (e.g., flu shots).

Make sure all of your health care professionals know you have received this vaccine. Make sure a note is placed in your medical record of having received this vaccine.