Prevenar

What is it?

A preparation of pneumococcal saccharide conjugate vaccine available as a suspension in vials, containing 2 to 4µg of 7 saccharide serotypes per 0.5ml, conjugated to carrier protein and adsorbed onto aluminium phosphate.

Medical Uses

Immunisation of children against pneumonia.

Dosage

Children aged 2 to 6 months, 3 doses of 0.5ml separated by intervals of at least I month, then a 4th dose of 0.5ml in child's second year. Children aged 7 to 11 months, 2 doses of 0.5ml separated by intervals of at least 1 month, then 3rd 0.5ml dose in child's second year. Aged 1 year to 23 months, 2 doses of 0.5ml separated by intervals of at least 2 months. All doses by injection.

Special Care

Children with lowered immunity may have low antibody response.

Avoid Use

People aged over 2 years, acute feverish illnesses.

Known Side Effects

Pain/reaction at site of injection, fever. All adverse side effects should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).

Manufacturer

Wyeth.