- What is pneumococcal disease?
- Which vaccines are available to protect against pneumococcal disease in Australia?
- What is the Prevenar 13 supplementary program?
- Who is eligible for the Prevenar 13® supplementary program?
- What is the recommended schedule of administration of Prevenar®?
- Given that Prevenar® is a very expensive vaccine, can Pneumovax 23® be given instead?
- If I have a child with medical risk factors that requires a booster dose of Pneumovax 23® (polysaccharide vaccine) at 4 to 5 years of age but has had the last dose of Prevenar® (conjugate vaccine) in the last month, how long do I have to wait until administering the polysaccharide vaccine?
- I have a child aged 59 months (i.e. 4 years and 11 months) with Down’s Syndrome. Is the child still eligible for the free vaccine and what is the appropriate catch-up schedule?
- What are the side effects of Prevenar®?
- If I am a parent and am pregnant, can my child still be immunised?
- What are the contraindications for Prevenar®?
- What are the components of the Prevenar® vaccine?
- How is Prevenar® administered?
1. What is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacteria attacks and infects different parts of the body which can result in bacteraemia (infection of the blood); meningitis (inflammation of the brain); pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and otitis media (middle ear infection).
2. Which vaccines are available to protect against pneumococcal disease in Australia?
There are two different types of pneumococcal vaccine available in Australia:
Prevenar 13®
Prevenar 13® is currently recommended in the National Immunisation Program for all infants at 2,4 and 6 months of age. Aboriginal children receive an extra dose at 18 months of age and children with medical risk factors that may affect their immunity are eligible to receive extra doses at 12 months and between 3-4 years of age. The vaccine includes the 13 serotypes that are responsible for a high number of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children less than five years of age in Australia and worldwide.
Pneumovax 23®
The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax 23®) is approved for use in older children and adults who are at risk of IPD (i.e. they have medical risk factors). The vaccine contains 23 polysaccharides derived from the 23 most frequent types of Streptococcus pneumoniae that are responsible for most pneumococcal disease cases in adults in Australia.
3. What is the Prevenar 13® supplementary program?
From 1 October 2011 to 30 September 2012, a supplementary dose of Prevenar 13 is being offered to eligible children so that they can benefit from the six additional strains that was not included in the previous pneumococcal vaccine, Prevenar.
4. Who is eligible for the Prevenar 13 ® supplementary program?
The supplementary program is available to all children aged between 12-35 months and have completed a primary course with Prevenar. Aboriginal children are eligible for an extra dose at 18 months of age and children with medical risk factors that may affect their immunity are eligible to receive extra doses at 12 months and between 3-4 years of age. Children with medical at risk factors should also get a dose of Pneumovax 23 at 4 years of age.
6. My child is eligible for the Prevenar 13® supplementary program, where can I get them vaccinated and what are the costs?
If your child is eligible for the extra dose, you can get them vaccinated at your usual immunisation provider. The vaccine is free, however you may have to pay a consultation fee at the general practice. You may also want to call and make an appointment for your child.
7. What are the possible side effects of the Prevenar 13® vaccine?
Most side effects from the vaccination are minor and resolve quickly. Common side effects include mild temperature, pain, redness and swelling at the injection site and feeling unwell.
8. What can I do if my child has some side effects after having the Prevenar 13® vaccine?
Your GP/nurse will provide information on the expected side effects and what you can do to make your child more confortable.
- If the injection site becomes red and/or swollen, apply a cool,damp cloth.
- There may be some pain,fever,headache or tiredness. For the headache and arm discomfort, paracetemol can be taken according to manufacturer's recommendations. If fever persists, consult your doctor.
- Immediately seek medical advice if there is a reaction you think is serious or unexpected. '
- You can also report reactions following vaccination to the WA Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system:
9. Where can I find out more about Prevenar 13®?
You can visit the Australian Government Immunise Australia website on www.immunise.health.gov.au (External link) or call the information line on 1800 671 811.
