PREVNAR-13 HAS BEEN APPROVED:

By the end of March 2010, doctors will be immunizing with the new pneumococcal vaccine Prevnar13®, which as its name implies, protects against 13 strains of pneumococcal infection. It replaces Prevnar® in the childhood immunization schedule. Prevenar® protects against 7 pneumococcal strains so the replacement vaccine covers six additional strains of potentially life-threatening pneumococcal meningitis, septicaemia and pneumonia. 

Pneumococcal meningitis is the most life-threatening major form of meningitis. Approximately one in five of people who get it will die and of those who survive around half will be left with a level of permanent disability.

Children who have already had one or two doses of Prevenar® can complete their vaccination course with Prevenar13® with no change to the routine schedule. The vaccine is approved for use in children 2 months through 5 years, as well as in children aged 60 months through 71 months with underlying medical conditions.

A supplemental dose is recommended for children through 59 months of age who have completed the four-dose series with PCV-7.

Pfizer is testing the vaccine's use in patients up to age 18 years.

(Meningitis Research Foundation)
(Infectious Diseases in Children)

“Together we can help raise awareness share knowledge and fund research in the hope that one day families will be spared the heartache of losing a loved one to this devastating disease.”
(MRF Newsletter April 21)