Prevenar 20 Vaccine

Prevenar 20 Vaccine contains pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugates, which are used to help prevent diseases caused by 20 types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.

Benefits

This vaccine helps the body produce its own antibodies, strengthening the immune system against pneumococcal infections. It reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and long-term complications associated with these bacterial strains.

Uses and Indications

• Active immunisation for the prevention of invasive disease and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in individuals 18 years of age and older.
• Active immunisation for the prevention of invasive disease, pneumonia, and acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in infants, children, and adolescents from 6 weeks to less than 18 years of age.
• Prevention of pneumococcal ear infections in children between 6 weeks and 5 years of age.

Each 0.5 mL dose of Prevenar 20 Vaccine contains:

• Pneumococcal polysaccharide serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F (2.2 micrograms each).
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 6B (4.4 micrograms).
• Conjugated to CRM197 carrier protein (approximately 51 micrograms per dose).
• Adsorbed on aluminium phosphate (0.125 mg aluminium per dose).
• Other ingredients: sodium chloride, succinic acid, polysorbate 80, and water for injections.

Dosage and Administration

Prevenar 20 Vaccine is administered as an intramuscular injection. The preferred sites are the anterolateral aspect of the thigh in infants or the deltoid muscle of the upper arm in children and adults.

1. Infants (6 weeks to 15 months of age): A 4-dose series is recommended, consisting of three primary doses and one booster dose. The first dose may be given as early as 6 weeks of age, typically at 2 months, with an interval of at least 4 weeks between doses. The fourth (booster) dose is recommended between 11 and 15 months of age.
2. Children (2-17 years) and Adults (18 years and older): A single dose is typically administered.

Your doctor or nurse will determine the appropriate dose and vaccination schedule based on individual needs and official recommendations.

Storage and Disposal

• Store in a refrigerator at 2 °C to 8 °C.
• Do not freeze; discard the vaccine if it has been frozen.
• Pre-filled syringes should be stored horizontally to minimise resuspension time.
• Discard any unused medicine and materials according to local medical waste disposal procedures.

Precautions and Safety

• Do not inject Prevenar 20 intravascularly.
• Vaccination should be postponed in individuals with acute severe febrile illness. However, a minor infection, such as a cold, does not typically require deferral of vaccination.
• Administer with caution to individuals with thrombocytopenia or bleeding disorders, as bleeding may occur following intramuscular administration.
• Individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to HIV infection) may experience a lower immune response to the vaccine.
• Hypersensitivity to the active substances, any excipients, or diphtheria toxoid is a contraindication.
• Prevenar 20 may not protect all individuals or against all Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes not included in the vaccine.
• Do not mix Prevenar 20 with other vaccines or medicinal products in the same syringe. Different injectable vaccines should always be administered at separate injection sites.
• For very premature infants (born ≤ 28 weeks of gestation), the potential risk of apnoea and the need for respiratory monitoring for 48 to 72 hours should be considered.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before receiving this vaccine.

Side Effects and Risks

• Common side effects include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, irritability, drowsiness or increased sleep, decreased appetite, fever, muscle pain, headache, and fatigue.
• Most adverse reactions are mild to moderate in intensity and typically resolve within 1 to 3 days.
• Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and shock, are rare but possible. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, shortness of breath, or wheezing occur.

Disclaimer

Use this medicine only under the prescription and guidance of a qualified doctor or pharmacist.