Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Adsorbed (Pneu-C-10)
Why is it prescribed?
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine adsorbed is indicated for active immunization of infants and children from 6 weeks up to 5 years of age against invasive diseases (e.g. meningitis), pneumonia and blood infection caused by the 10 strains of pneumococci contained in the vaccine.
Products that have this ingredient include •Synflorix® vaccine •
See other drugs used in the treatment of •pneumonia •upper respiratory tract infections •middle ear infections •
Like all medicines, this vaccine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The side effects are listed here from those that are very common to those that are rare.
Very common:
- Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
- Fever (38C or higher)
- Drowsiness
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
Common:
- Hardness at the injection site
Uncommon:
- Blood clot, bleeding and small lump at the injection site
- Diarrhea, vomiting
- Unusual crying
- Temporarily stopping breathing if your child was born prematurely (before or at 28 weeks of pregnancy)
Rare:
- Rash, hives, allergic reactions such as skin rash or allergies
- Fits without temperature or due to high temperature (fever)
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine adsorbed (Pneu-C-10) is made up of 10 strains of pneumococcal (pneumonia) bacteria combined with carrier proteins. When injected, the vaccine in the body familiarizes the immune system to the pneumococcal bacteria. If the person is exposed to the bacteria again, the immune system can mount a quick, specific attack against the bacteria and ultimately resist infection. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine adsorbed will not protect against pneumococcal serogroups that are not included in the vaccine.
As with other vaccines, the administration of Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine adsorbed should be postponed in subjects suffering from acute severe febrile illness. However, the presence of a minor infection, such as a cold, should not result in the deferral of vaccination.
Children with impaired immune responsiveness, whether due to the use of immunosuppressive therapy, a genetic defect, HIV infection, or other causes, may have reduced antibody response to the vaccination.
The potential risk of apnea and the need for respiratory monitoring for 48-72 hours should be considered when giving the vaccination to very premature infants (born less than or equal to 28 weeks of gestation) and particularly for those with a previous history of respiratory immaturity.
As with other vaccines administered intramuscularly, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine adsorbed should be given with caution to individuals with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder since bleeding may occur following an IM injection in these subjects.
As with all injectable vaccines, appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in case of a rare anaphylactic event following the administration of the vaccine.
Use is not recommended in the following situations:
- prior severe allergic reaction to pneumococcal vaccine
- allergy to any component of the vaccine
Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pneu-C-13 and Pneu-P-23 vaccines are preferred.