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What is pneumococcal disease?

Any infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae).

It can lead to these potentially life-threatening diseases:


Prevnar 13 is not indicated to reduce complications of pneumococcal diseases, such as death.

Who is at risk?

YOU ARE AT AN
INCREASED RISK
if you are:

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

  • Chronic lung disease (including asthma and COPD)
  • Chronic heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Certain neurological conditions
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Cancer
  • Involving immunosuppression
    (e.g.: transplants, HIV)

LIFESTYLE

Are you at risk? Download a Risk Factor Checklist.

How is it transmitted?

Like the flu, S. pneumoniae can be passed on from person to person through:

What is Prevnar 13?
Prevnar 13, a conjugate polysaccharide vaccine, is administered in adults as a single dose into the arm or leg muscle. It is used for the prevention of diseases such as pneumonia, bacteraemic pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis caused by 13 types of the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.

How does it work?

Vaccines teach our bodies to recognize and respond to viruses and bacteria, by making products called antibodies that help fight the disease. Our immune system can remember and fight them if they attack in the future.

Prevnar 13 helps your body make its own antibodies to help protect you against 13 types of the bacteria S. pneumoniae.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find a clinic?
Vaccines411.ca is an online vaccination clinic locator that also includes reliable immunization resources for Canadians to easily
find the vaccination resources they need. To find a clinic near you, click here.
Can I be vaccinated with PNEU-C-13 even if I’ve previously received the PNEU-P-23 vaccine?
Yes. If immunization with PNEU-C-13 is being considered, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends administration of PNEU-C-13 at least one year after any previous dose of PNEU-P-23 in immunocompetent adults aged 65 years and older.
How many doses of Prevnar 13 are administered?
Prevnar 13 is to be administered as a single dose to adults 18 years and older, including those previously vaccinated with pneumococcal
polysaccharide vaccine. The need for revaccination with a subsequent dose of Prevnar 13 has not been established.

PNEU-C-13 = Prevnar 13; PNEU-P-23 = Pneumovax 23

Prevnar 13 safety information

Prevnar 13 should not be used if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to the active substances, to any other ingredients, or to any other vaccine that contains diphtheria toxoid.

Take special care with Prevnar 13:

  • If you have any present or past medical problems after any dose of Prevnar 13
  • If you are sick with a high fever
  • If you have any bleeding problems

Prevnar 13 will only protect against diseases caused by the types of Streptococcus pneumoniae found in the vaccine.

The most common side effects reported in at least 1 in 10 adults are decreased appetite, headache, diarrhea, rash, new joint pain/aggravated joint pain, new muscle pain/aggravated muscle pain, chills, fatigue, vomiting (in adults 18-49 years old), any pain, tenderness, redness, swelling or hardness at the injection site, limitation of arm movement. Common side effects reported in at least 1 in 100 adults, but less than 1 in 10 adults, are vomiting (in adults aged 50 years and over) and fever.

As with any vaccine, Prevnar 13 will not protect 100% of those who receive the vaccine.

Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccination with Prevnar 13.