Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine

Information about Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine

Pneumococcal 13 valent conjugate vaccine uses

Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine is used for prevention of pneumonia, meningitis, blood infection & ear infection.

How pneumococcal 13 valent conjugate vaccine works

Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine is a vaccine. It helps develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness, but it does stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies to protect against any future infections.

Common side effects of pneumococcal 13 valent conjugate vaccine

Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), Decreased appetite, Fever, Rash, Irritability, Sleep deprivation, Hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness), Vomiting, Chills, Limitations of arm movement, Convulsion, Urticaria, Hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode

Available Medicine for Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine

Expert advice for Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine

  • Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine is given to prevent invasive diseases caused by pneumococcal bacteria such as pneumonia, meningitis, ear, and blood infections.
  • It is given as an injection into a muscle by your doctor or nurse.
  • Inform your doctor if you or your child has an infection with high temperature, as vaccination may need to be delayed until recovery.
  • It may cause fever, irritability, sleepiness, and reduced appetite. Inform your doctor if it does not go away or if the fever crosses 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions for Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine

Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine

Q. How many doses of Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine are needed?
The dosage of Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine depends on the age of the patient and whether the person is previously vaccinated or not. For infants, Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine is to be given as a four-dose schedule at 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months of age. The first dose can be given as early as 6 weeks of age and after that, a gap of about 4 to 8 weeks is recommended between two doses. For adults, only one dose seems to be effective. However, consult your doctor for the exact dose and duration.
Q. Can Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine be given subcutaneously?
No, this vaccine should not be given subcutaneously (beneath the skin). It should be given as an intramuscular injection. It should be injected in the front of the thigh in infants or in the muscle of the upper arm in children and adults by a trained healthcare professional.
Q. Who should get vaccinated by the Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine?
Usually, Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for children below 2 years of age and adults who are 65 years or older. Individuals who are between 2 to 64 years old, with some medical conditions that weaken your immune system, are also advised to take this vaccine. These conditions include HIV/AIDS, nephrotic syndrome, cancer, sickle cell disease, and diabetes. This vaccine is also recommended in chronic diseases like chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, and alcoholism.
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Q. Who should not get Pneumococcal 13 valent Conjugate Vaccine?
Patients having a life-threatening allergic reaction with previous pneumococcal vaccination, earlier pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, or a vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid (for example, DTaP) should avoid taking this vaccine. Also, this medicine should not be given to patients who are allergic to any additional component of the pneumococcal vaccine. In conditions when a person is ill or unwell then vaccination should only be given after recovery from illness. Do consult your doctor before planning to take this vaccine and follow the instructions as directed.
Q. Can I take this vaccine while being pregnant?
No, you should avoid taking this vaccination while you are pregnant. There is no data regarding its usage during nursing or breastfeeding and its effect on the fetus during pregnancy. However, it is advised to consult your doctor before you plan to take this vaccination.

Content on this page was last updated on 13 June, 2023, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)