What is pneumococcal disease?
A SERIOUS DISEASE IN SOME CASES
Pneumococcal disease is any infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, including:
PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA
Makes up 50 to 80% of all cases of invasive pneumococcal disease in adults
- Is the most common bacterial type of pneumonia
- Can be life-threatening, and may require admission to the hospital or intensive care unit
Prevnar 13 is not indicated to reduce complications of pneumococcal disease, such as hospitalization and death.
Watch the TV ads highlighting key facts
about pneumococcal pneumonia.
Who is at risk?
PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA
RISK INCREASES WITH AGE
and so does your risk of invasive pneumococcal disease
YOU ARE ALSO AT AN INCREASED RISK OF GETTING PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA/invasive pneumococcal disease if you are:
with a risk factor
COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
HIV = human immunodeficiency virus
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS:
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 factors
- Smoking
- Alcoholism
- Living in long-term care facilities
Watch this video to learn more
How is it transmitted?
THE SPREAD IS UNPREDICTABLE
Streptococcus pneumoniae can be present in your nose and throat without causing any symptoms.
Even though you may not show any symptoms, you can still infect others.
Like the flu, Streptococcus pneumoniae can be passed on from person to person through:
What is Prevnar 13?
PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA
MAY BE VACCINE-PREVENTABLE
You can also help prevent it by:
- Practicing good hygiene
- Quitting smoking
- Exercising and eating healthy to keep your immune system strong
THINK PREVENTION
with the
VACCINE FOR PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA
Prevnar 13, a conjugate polysaccharide vaccine, is administered in adults as a single dose into the arm. In adults, 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 Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Help protect yourself against Streptococcus pneumoniae with Prevnar 13, a single-shot* vaccine in adults.
* The need for revaccination with a subsequent dose of Prevnar 13 has not been established.
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.
Find a clinic near you >
Can I be vaccinated with Prevnar 13 even if I’ve previously received the PNEU-P-23 vaccine?
PNEU-P-23 = Pneumovax 23
Yes. If immunization with Prevnar 13 is being considered, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends administration of Prevnar 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.
Can I be vaccinated with Prevnar 13 during the same visit as my flu vaccine?
Yes. If your doctor thinks you are a good candidate, your doctor will take the opportunity to offer you a pneumococcal vaccine, such as Prevnar 13, when you receive your flu vaccine.
Will Prevnar 13 help protect me against COVID-19?
No. Prevnar 13 is not indicated to help protect against viruses, including COVID-19. Prevnar 13 is only indicated to help protect against 13 types of the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.
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 covered by 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.
Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if Prevnar 13 is right for you.
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 covered by 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.
Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if Prevnar 13 is right for you.