Pneumonia Vaccine (Prevenar 13)

Who Should Get It:

Prevenar 13 protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria that cause serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. It’s recommended for:

• Infants and young children (starting at 6 weeks of age)

• Adults 50 years and older

• People 6 years and older with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart/lung/kidney disease)

• Individuals at increased risk of pneumococcal disease

Before the Injection:

• Inform your provider if you're feeling unwell or have had an allergic reaction to a previous pneumococcal vaccine or its ingredients.

• No special preparation is needed.

After the Injection:

Mild side effects may include:

• Pain or redness at the injection site

• Low-grade fever

• Irritability, fatigue, or loss of appetite (especially in children)

These effects are usually mild and go away within a few days.
Serious reactions are very rare.

Protection Timeline:

• Protection starts to develop within 2 to 3 weeks after vaccination

• For children, a series of doses is needed depending on age

• Offers long-term protection and may be followed by Pneumovax 23 in some adults for broader coverage