Pneumo 23 is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by the 23 serotypes contained in the vaccine (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F , and 33F). Polysaccharide Pneumococcal ... Read morePneumo 23 is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by the 23 serotypes contained in the vaccine (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F , and 33F). Pneumo 23 is approved for use in persons 50 years of age or older and persons aged ≥ 2 years who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

Vaccines, Anti-sera & Immunoglobulin

These products convey active immunity via stimulation of production of endogenously produced antibodies.

Infants from 6 weeks to 6 months of age: Three-dose primary series: The recommended immunisation series to ensure optimal protection consists of four doses, each of 0.5 ml. The primary infant series consists of three doses with the first dose usually given at 2 months of age and with an interval of at least 1 month between doses. The first dose may be given as early as six weeks of age. A booster dose is recommended at least 6 months after the last priming dose. Two-dose primary series: Alternatively, when it is given as part of a routine infant immunisation programme, a series consisting of three doses, each of 0.5 ml may be given. The first dose may be administered from the age of 2 months, with a second dose 2 months later. A booster dose is recommended at least 6 months after the last primary dose. Previously unvaccinated older infants and children: Infants aged 7-11 months: The vaccination schedule consists of two doses of 0.5 ml with an interval of at least 1 month between doses. A third dose is recommended in the second year of life with an interval of at least 2 months between doses. Children aged 12-23 months: The vaccination schedule consists of two doses of 0.5 ml with an interval of at least 2 months between doses. The need for a booster dose after this immunization schedule has not been established.

Concomitant Administration with Other Vaccines: In a randomized clinical study, a reduced immune response to ZOSTAVAX as measured by gpELISA was observed in individuals who received concurrent administration of Pneumococcal Vaccine and ZOSTAVAX compared with individuals who received these vaccines 4 weeks apart. Consider administration of the two vaccines separated by at least 4 weeks. Limited safety and immunogenicity data from clinical trials are available on the concurrent administration of Pneumococcal Vaccine and vaccines other than ZOSTAVAX.

Do not administer Pneumococcal Vaccine to individuals with a history of anaphylactic/anaphylactoid or severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine.

The most common adverse reactions, reported in >10% of subjects vaccinated with p neumococcal vaccine for the first time in a clinical trial, were: injection-site pain/soreness/tenderness (60.0%), injection-site swelling/ induration (20.3%), headache (17.6%), injection-site erythema (16.4%), asthenia and fatigue (13.2%), and myalgia (11.9%).

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks

Persons with Moderate or Severe Acute Illness: Defer vaccination with Pneumococcal Vaccine in persons with moderate or severe acute illness.Persons with Severely Compromised Cardiovascular or Pulmonary Function: Caution and appropriate care should be exercised in administering Pneumococcal Vaccine to individuals with severely compromised cardiovascular and/or pulmonary function in whom a systemic reaction would pose a significant risk.Use of Antibiotic Prophylaxis: This vaccine does not replace the need for penicillin (or another antibiotic) prophylaxis against pneumococcal infection. In patients who require penicillin (or another antibiotic) prophylaxis against pneumococcal infection, such prophylaxis should not be discontinued after vaccination with Pneumococcal Vaccine.Persons with Altered Immunocompetence: Persons who are immunocompromised, including persons receiving immunosuppressive therapy, may have a diminished immune response to Pneumococcal Vaccine.Persons with Chronic Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage: Pneumococcal Vaccine may not be effective in preventing pneumococcal meningitis in patients who have chronic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage resulting from congenital lesions, skull fractures, or neurosurgical procedures.

Store refrigerated at 2° to 8°C. Protect vials from light.

Vaccines, Anti-sera & Immunoglobulin

Pneumococcal Vaccine induces type-specific antibodies that enhanced opsonization, phagocytosis, and killing of pneumococci by leukocytes and other phagocytic cells. The levels of antibodies that correlate with protection against pneumococcal disease have not been clearly defined.

Pregnancy: All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15- 20%, respectively. Available human data from clinical trials of Pneumococcal Vaccine in pregnancy have not established the presence or absence of a vaccine-associated risk. Developmental toxicity studies have not been conducted with Pneumococcal Vaccine in animals.Lactation: It is not known whether Pneumococcal Vaccine is excreted in human milk. Data are not available to assess the effects of Pneumococcal Vaccine on the breastfed infant or on milk production/excretion. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Pneumococcal Vaccine and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Pneumococcal Vaccine or from the underlying maternal condition. For preventive vaccines, the underlying maternal condition is susceptibility to the disease prevented by the vaccine.