PREVENAR 13 INFANT — PNEUMOCOCCAL 13-VALENT CONJUGATE VACCINE

Prevenar 13 (also known as PCV13) is a sophisticated, sterile vaccine containing Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate. It is specifically engineered to protect infants and young children against 13 of the most common and dangerous strains of the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. By stimulating the immune system to recognize these specific "serotypes," the vaccine prevents life-threatening invasive diseases that can cause permanent disability or death in early childhood.

• Product Type: Conjugate Vaccine (Active Immunizing Agent)

• Active Ingredient: Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Serotypes (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 23F)

• Manufacturer: Pfizer (Original Brand)

• Pack Size: Single-dose (0.5ml) Pre-filled Syringe with separate needle

• Route: Intramuscular (IM) Injection Only

• Availability: Strictly Prescription Required (POM) — Clinical administration only

• Suitable For: Infants and children from 6 weeks to 17 years of age

What Is Prevenar 13 Infant Used For?

Prevenar 13 provides critical protection against "Invasive Pneumococcal Disease" (IPD):

1. Bacterial Meningitis: Preventing life-threatening inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes.

2. Sepsis/Bacteremia: Stopping the bacteria from spreading into the bloodstream (blood poisoning).

3. Pneumonia: Reducing the risk of severe lung infections and respiratory failure.

4. Otitis Media: Lowering the incidence of painful middle ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss if recurrent.

⚠️ Critical Safety Warning

Allergy Alert: Do not administer if the child has a history of severe allergic reactions to any component of Prevenar 13 or to any vaccine containing Diphtheria Toxoid (as the vaccine uses a diphtheria carrier protein). Current Illness: If the child has a high fever or an acute infection, vaccination should be postponed until they have recovered. A minor cold or low-grade fever is usually not a reason to delay. Seizure History: If the child has a history of febrile seizures, your doctor may recommend giving a dose of paracetamol at the time of vaccination to prevent a post-vaccine fever. Bleeding Disorders: Use with caution in children with hemophilia or those on blood thinners to avoid severe bruising at the injection site.

How to Administer

Prevenar 13 must be administered by a trained healthcare professional (Doctor or Nurse).

Standard Immunization Schedule:

• Infants (2–6 months): Usually a 3-dose primary series (at 2, 4, and 6 months) followed by a booster dose between 12 and 15 months of age.

• Catch-up Schedule: If a child starts later, the number of doses required will be determined by the healthcare provider based on the child's age.

Application Tips:

• Injection Site: In infants, the vaccine is injected into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh (the vastus lateralis muscle). In older children, it is given in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm.

• Shake Well: The syringe must be shaken vigorously before use to obtain a homogenous, white, cloudy suspension.

• Do Not Mix: Prevenar 13 must never be mixed with other vaccines in the same syringe.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects include redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site, decreased appetite, irritability, and a mild fever. Some infants may be more sleepy or have restless sleep for 24–48 hours after the shot. If you notice a high-pitched "persistent crying" (lasting more than 3 hours), a seizure, or signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.

Storage Instructions

Cold Chain Mandatory: Store in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze. If the vaccine freezes, it is destroyed and must be discarded. Keep the pre-filled syringe in the original carton to protect it from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can it be given at the same time as "6-in-1" or "Rotavirus" vaccines?

A: Yes. Prevenar 13 can be given at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines, provided they are injected at different body sites.

Q: My child already had "Prevenar 7." Does he need this?

A: Yes. Prevenar 13 protects against 6 additional strains (including the dangerous 19A strain) that were not covered by the older version.

Q: Does this protect against "Viral Pneumonia"?

A: No. It only protects against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It does not protect against viruses like the flu or COVID-19.

Q: What should I do if my child gets a fever after the shot?

A: You may give a weight-appropriate dose of infant paracetamol as directed by your pediatrician to keep the child comfortable.

Purchase Notice at Sanlive Pharmacy

Authentic Prevenar 13 Pre-filled Syringes (by Pfizer) are available at Sanlive Pharmacy. We maintain a strict cold-chain protocol from the manufacturer to our pharmacy, ensuring the vaccine remains potent and safe for your child.

Why Buy from Sanlive Pharmacy?

• Authentic Pfizer (Original) cold-chain vaccine stock.

• Expert guidance on pediatric immunization schedules.

• Licensed pharmacists available for vaccine-safety consultations.

• Secure, temperature-controlled delivery to clinics or homes (where applicable) across Nigeria.

Order Prevenar 13 from Sanlive Pharmacy today for professional-grade protection for your child's future.