Pneumococcal 13-Valent Vaccine, Diphtheria Conjugate (NOO-moe-KOK-al 13-VAY-lent VAX-een, dif-THEER-ee-a KON-joo-gate)

Prevents infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis.

Brand Name(s):

Prevnar 13

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. This vaccine is usually given as a shot into a muscle in the thigh or upper arm.
• The vaccine schedule is different for different people.
  • Tell your doctor if your child was born prematurely. Children who were premature may need to follow a different schedule.
  • Children younger than 6 years of age: This vaccine is usually given as 3 or 4 separate shots over several months. Your child's doctor will tell you how many shots are needed and when to come back for the next one.
  • Children older than 6 years of age: This vaccine is given as a single shot. If your child recently received another pneumonia vaccine, this one should be given at least 8 weeks later.
  • Adults older than 18 years of age: This vaccine is given as a single dose.
• It is very important for your child to receive all of the shots for the vaccine.
• Missed dose: This vaccine must be given on a fixed schedule. If your child misses a dose, call your child's doctor for another appointment.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how this vaccine works. Tell your doctor if you are receiving a treatment or medicine that causes a weak immune system. This includes radiation treatment, steroid medicine (including hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone), or cancer medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you have a weak immune system. You may not be fully protected by this vaccine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• High fever

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Crying, irritability, or fussiness
• Joint or muscle pain
• Mild skin rash
• Pain, burning, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Poor appetite
• Sleep changes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088