Prevnar is the first and only pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for children ages two months to two years. It is proven to reduce a child's risk of developing serious pneumococcal diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia, bacteremia* and ear infections. Prevnar is derived from soy-based cultures and is thimerosal- (mercury-containing organic compound) and preservative-free.1
Prevnar helps protect against seven different strains (serotypes) of Streptococcus pneumoniae, which account for approximately 80 per cent of invasive pneumococcal diseases in Canadian children aged six months to five years.2 A major U.S. clinical trial involving more than 37,000 children has proven that Prevnar reduces a child's risk of developing these diseases by over 97 per cent.
Children are routinely exposed to S. pneumoniae, and approximately 84 per cent of infections with this bacteria occur before a child's fifth birthday.
The Prevnar vaccine is recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) for all Canadian infants and children between 2 months and two years of age and older children in high-risk groups for invasive disease due to S. pneumoniae.3, 4
Children who are beyond the age of the routine immunization schedule can still benefit from the protection provided by Prevnar.
As of January 2006, Prevnar is funded by each province and territory across Canada. If your child has not received pneumococcal vaccinations, discuss with your child's physician or nurse about a catch-up immunization schedule.
Prevnar Vaccination Schedule recommended by NACI and CPS5, 6| Recommended Vaccination Schedule | |
| 2 months | 1st dose |
| 4 months | 2nd dose |
| 6 months | 3rd dose |
| 12 - 15 months* | 4th dose |
What can be expected after vaccination?
The most frequently reported side effects include injection site reactions, fever (38°C or higher), irritability, drowsiness, restless sleep and decreased appetite.7
* Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the blood which could be symptom free or could cause diseases.
Prevnar is not indicated to reduce severe disability or death.
Prevnar [Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein)] is indicated for the active immunization of infants and children from 6 weeks until 9 years of age against invasive disease, pneumonia and otitis media caused by S. pneumoniae due to the capsular serotypes included in the vaccine (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F). Prevnar is contraindicated in patients with coagulation disorders and who are hypersensitive to any part of the vaccine including diphtheria toxoid. This vaccine is not intended to be used for treatment of active infection. Prevnar does not provide 100% protection against vaccine serotypes or protect against non vaccine serotypes. The most frequently reported adverse events in infants and children, within 2-3 days following immunization, included fever (? 38.0 °C), irritability, drowsiness, restless sleep, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, injection site reactions, and rash or hives. Incidence may vary with age and concomitantly administered vaccines.
1 Prevnar: Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein): Suspension for Intramuscular Injection. Wyeth, September 2005.
2 Prevnar: Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein): Suspension for Intramuscular Injection. Wyeth, September 2005.
3 National Advisory Committee on Immunization. Statement on recommended use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Canada Communicable Disease Report. 2002:
4 Canadian Paediatric Society. Position Statement: Pneumococcal vaccine for children. Paediatric Child Health. 2002:7(6):417.
5 Canadian Paediatric Society website: http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/immunization/pneumo.htm
6 National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), Recommended Immunization Schedule for Infants, Children and Youth, March 16, 2005, http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/naci-ccni/is-si/recimmsche-icy_e.html
7 Prevnar: Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein): Suspension for Intramuscular Injection. Wyeth, September 2005.