Pneumococcal pneumonia is not a cold or the flu. It’s an illness that is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common bacteria that can be spread from person to person through a cough or touch. These bacteria can cause part of the lung to become inflamed and fill up with mucus, making it harder to breathe.
Symptoms can appear quickly and can be severe. For some people, certain symptoms like cough and fatigue can last for weeks or longer. In fact, pneumococcal pneumonia can put you in the hospital, and in some cases, can even lead to death.
Even active, healthy adults 65 and older may be at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia.
If you’re 65 or older, vaccination is an important way to help protect against pneumococcal pneumonia. Even if you have already been vaccinated with a different pneumococcal vaccine, PREVNAR 13® may help provide additional protection. Immune response may be lower if given within one year after another vaccine for pneumococcal pneumonia. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if PREVNAR 13® is right for you.
Because PREVNAR 13
® is given by injection, the most common side effects reported in clinical trials were injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, pain at the injection site, and limitation of arm movement. Some people reported systemic side effects, including fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, decreased appetite, vomiting, fever, chills, and rash. PREVNAR 13
® should not be given to anyone with a severe allergic reaction to any component of PREVNAR 13
® or any diphtheria toxoid–containing vaccine. Please see additional
Important Safety Information