Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine
Prevnar 13 is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, including pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, and ear infections. It is approved for use in infants, young children, and adults 65 and older, as well as certain high-risk individuals with underlying health conditions. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the bacteria's polysaccharide capsule.
Prevnar 13 is a vaccine that protects against pneumococcal diseases like pneumonia and meningitis in children and older adults.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 901641
- Generic
- Prevnar 13
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by 13 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, including pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, and otitis media in infants, toddlers, and adults 65 years and older, as well as high-risk patients aged 2-64 with conditions like asplenia, HIV, or immunosuppression.
A conjugate vaccine containing pneumococcal polysaccharides linked to a carrier protein (CRM197 diphtheria protein) that enhances immune response, particularly in young children whose immune systems cannot respond well to polysaccharides alone. This stimulates production of protective antibodies against the bacterial capsule.
Administered as a series in infants (typically at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months). Adults receive a single dose. Common side effects include injection site reactions, fever, and irritability in children. Contraindicated in individuals with severe allergy to any vaccine component. Does not protect against all pneumococcal serotypes or other bacteria causing similar infections.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy