Generic
Pneumococcal polysaccharide unconjugated Vaccine
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Pneumococcal polysaccharide unconjugated Vaccine (23-valent) is used for prevention of pneumococcal disease in persons aged 2 years or older, especially those at high risk such as those with sickle cell disease, HIV infection, or other immunocompromising conditions.
Description
The vaccine contains 23 pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide serotypes accounting for approximately 90% of invasive pneumococcal disease types: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, 33F. It stimulates active immune response against S. pneumoniae capsular antigens, producing endogenous antibodies. Safety and efficacy not established in children under 2 years.
Indications
- Prevention of pneumococcal disease (in persons aged 2 years or older at high risk)
Therapeutic class
Vaccines, Anti-sera & Immunoglobulin
Pharmacological class
23-valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (Unconjugated)
Pharmacology
The vaccine is prepared from 23 pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide serotypes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, 33F. It stimulates active immune response against S. pneumoniae capsular antigens, producing endogenous antibodies.
Mechanism of action
Produces immunity by stimulating antibody production against pneumococcal antigens.
Dosage
Adults and Children (>2 years):
- High-risk patients: Single dose of 0.5 mL (IM) as 23-valent vaccine
- Should be given at least 2 weeks before elective splenectomy, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive treatment
- Revaccination generally not required; may be considered after 5 years in patients with asplenia, splenic dysfunction, or nephrotic syndrome
Administration
- Administered as IM injection in deltoid muscle or lateral mid-thigh; SC if patient has bleeding disorders
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Injection site pain, erythema (redness), induration, and edema
- Moderate and transient hyperthermia (fever) sometimes >39°C
- Adenopathy, rashes, arthralgia
- Allergic reactions (urticaria, Quincke's edema, anaphylactoid reactions)
- Headache, muscle pain, malaise, fatigue (rare)
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in severe renal, hepatic, cardiac, vascular &/or pulmonary dysfunction
- Patients on immunosuppressants may be unable to attain required antibody titres
- Caution in pregnancy and lactation
- Efficacy may be reduced in multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (especially during treatment and chronic alcoholism)
- Vaccine should be given 2 weeks before starting immunosuppressive treatment or at least 3 months after treatment completion
Contraindications
- Known allergy to vaccine components
- Fever or acute disease or relapse of chronic disease (postpone vaccination)
- Vaccination within previous 3 years (unless otherwise indicated)
Drug interactions
- Zostavax: Reduced immune response
- Immunosuppressives
Food interactions
Not food-related.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Information regarding use during pregnancy is not available; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Unknown if vaccine is excreted in human milk; caution required.
Pediatric use
Not recommended in children under 2 years.
Geriatric use
Indicated for elderly; higher reaction rates after revaccination.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in severe renal dysfunction; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in severe hepatic dysfunction; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
No overdose information available; consult your doctor if overused.
Storage conditions
Store refrigerated at 2-8°C; protect from light.
Chemical structure
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Unconjugated Vaccine