Prevnar 13 (Pneu-C-13) Vaccine

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Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious infections.

The Pneu-C-13 vaccine (Prevnar 13), protects against illness caused by thirteen types of the pneumococcus bacteria, Streptococcus pneumonia.

What is pneumococcal disease?

There are many types of pneumococcus bacteria. Prevnar 13 vaccine protects against the thirteen types of pneumococcus bacteria that are the most common cause of pneumococcal disease in infants and young children in Canada.

Pneumococcal infections are most common in children less than 5 years of age but can occur anytime throughout the lifespan. This bacteria is the leading cause of:

• Otitis media (middle ear infections)
• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Bacteraemia (infection of the blood stream)
• Meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain)

Who should get the vaccine?

The Prevnar 13 vaccine is publicly funded (free) in Ontario for children up until their 5th birthday.

For infants who are just starting their immunization series with Prevnar 13, the majority will receive a 3 dose series, given at 2, 4, and 12 months of age.

Infants with the following high risk conditions will receive a 4 dose series, given at 2, 4, 6, & 15 months of age:

• Chronic respiratory disease (except Asthma, unless treated with high-dose corticosteroids)
• Chronic cardiac disease
• Cirrhosis
• Chronic renal disease or nephrotic syndrome
• Diabetes mellitus
• Asplenia, splenic disorders, sickle-cell disease
• Chronic cerebrospinal fluid leak
• Anyone who is immunosuppressed
• Solid organ transplant recipients
• Cochlear implant recipients

Infants who have started their immunization series with Synflorix should complete their series with Prevnar 13, to provide protection against the additional 3 serotypes.

For 2011 the following children who have completed a full series of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (either Prevnar 7 or Synflorix) are eligible to receive a catch up dose of Prevnar 13 to provide them with protection against the additional serotypes covered by this vaccine:

• Low risk children < 3 years of age
• High risk children < 5 years of age
• Aboriginal children < 5 years of age
• Children attending day care < 5 years of age

Is it safe for babies to receive more than one vaccine at the same visit?

This schedule does mean that most children will receive three shots at their 12 month visit; Meningitis vaccine, MMR vaccine and Prevnar 13. It is safe and effective to give Prevnar 13 with these other vaccines, as long as they are given in different syringes and the sites are at least 2.5 cm or 1 inch apart. For example, 2 injections given 1 inch apart in one arm and 1 injection in the other arm.

Your infant’s immune system is strong enough to handle vaccines and will produce a good immune response. Each day, your infant is exposed to millions of different germs that his/her body responds to and fights off. So being exposed to the few antigens in these three vaccines is easily handled by their immune system.

How well does the vaccine work?

When given in the recommended schedule this vaccine protects 88-99% of children against pneumococcal disease caused by the serotypes covered by the vaccine.

It is very important that children following the 3 dose schedule receive their doses on time, especially their 12 month dose in order to provide them with the best protection.

No vaccine is 100% effective. However, if someone does develop pneumococcal disease caused by one of the 13 strains that the vaccine protects against after receiving the vaccine, it is usually a milder case than those in people who are not vaccinated.

Who should not get this vaccine?

A health care provider may decide not to give this vaccine to:

• Anyone with a high fever or serious infection worse than a cold. They should delay having the vaccine until they are better.
• Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a pneumococcal vaccine in the past or who is allergic to any component of the vaccine:

Prevnar 13 ® - Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes individually conjugated to diphtheria CRM197 protein, aluminum phosphate adjuvant, sodium chloride, succinic acid, polysorbate 80

***This product does not contain latex.

What are the side effects of this vaccine?

The Prevnar 13 vaccine is very safe and side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild pain, redness, and swelling where the needle was given. Other side effects such as decreased appetite, irritability, fever, drowsiness and increased sleep or restlessness and decreased sleep may occur. Serious side effects are rare.

This is not a complete list of side effects. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any vaccine with a health care provider.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken following immunization to reduce discomfort or fever. Always follow package directions. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) must not be given to children under 18 years of age.

Is there an alternative to the vaccine?

There are no other treatments to prevent this disease.

Covering the nose and mouth during coughing or sneezing can help reduce the spread of disease.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop bacteria and viruses from spreading. To wash hands properly, rub all parts of the hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or if your hands are not visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol based hand rub.

When should I seek medical attention?

Call your health care provider, go to the nearest hospital or call 911 if any of the following occur within three days of getting the vaccine:

• High fever (over 40C or 104F)
• Hives
• Swelling of the face or mouth
• Trouble breathing
• Very pale colour and serious drowsiness
• Convulsions or seizures
• Any other unexpected effects

If medical attention was required, please notify the health unit.

What else do I need to know?

After you or your child receive a vaccine, update the immunization record (Yellow Card). Keep it in a safe place.

The health unit is required to keep immunization records on file for all children enrolled in a day nursery or school. If your child receives immunizations from your health care provider, you can update your child’s record in any one of the following ways:

• Use the secure on-line form on our website (www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/immsonline)
• Fax a copy to 705-721-1495
• Mail a copy to: VPD Program, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie ON, L4M 6K9
• Drop off a copy at any one of our offices
• Call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 (toll-free)

A confidential electronic database stores this information and it is available to you on request. It is important to note that health care providers do not routinely provide this information to the health unit.