Given to babies and young children to prevent infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, and ear and sinus infections
Brand Names:
Prevnar
Contraindications:
This medicine should not be given to a child who has had an allergic reaction to pneumococcal or diphtheria vaccines
Uses:
Injectable
An intramuscular (in-tra-MUS-kyoo-ler) or IM injection is a shot given in the muscle of the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks.
A doctor or nurse will give the shot.
This vaccination is usually given as 4 separate shots over several months. Your doctor will tell you the correct number of shots and the schedule to be followed for your child's vaccinations.
If a dose is missed:
It is important to receive all of the shots in this series.
Try to keep all the appointments scheduled with your child's doctor. If you must cancel an appointment, reschedule it as soon as possible.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure the doctor knows if your child is receiving any other medicines before getting this shot.
Warnings:
Make sure the doctor knows if your child has an illness with a fever.
Make sure the doctor knows if your child has any blood-clotting problems or if the child has ever had an allergic reaction to latex rubber.
Patients who have problems with their immune systems, such as those who are getting medicine like prednisone, receiving chemotherapy for cancer, or who have HIV infection or AIDS, may not be fully protected by this vaccine. Because there may be some benefit, your child's doctor may still want to give the vaccine.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Fever over 101° F
Seizures or fainting
Severe loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea
Severe sleepiness or irritability
Skin rash, hives, or itching
Swelling in face, throat, or lips
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Irritability, restlessness, or fussiness
Loss of appetite with vomiting or diarrhea
Lump or swelling where the shot was given
Pain, tenderness, or redness where the shot was given
