Washington (ECN) - According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumococcal disease is the number one vaccine-preventable cause of death in children younger than five years of age. Due to the large burden of pneumococcal disease and demonstrated vaccine efficacy, WHO recommends the most important inclusion of PCV7 in national childhood immunization programs worldwide. WHO notes that if other pneumococcal vaccines that offer lengthened protection become obtainable, countries should assess whether it would be helpful to switch to these vaccines.
Prevnar is indicated for active immunization of infants and toddlers against invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including bacteremia (bloodstream infection) and meningitis (infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) caused by the seven serotypes in the vaccine. The seven serotypes (strains) of S. pneumoniae included in the vaccine (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F) are the strains that most commonly cause these serious diseases in children. The routine schedule is 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age.
Prevnar is also indicated for immunization of infants and toddlers against otitis media (ear infections) caused by the seven serotypes included in the vaccine. Protection against ear infections is expected to be less than that for invasive disease.
As with any vaccine, Prevnar may not protect all individuals receiving the vaccine from serious invasive disease cause by S. pneumoniae. This vaccine should not be used for treatment of active infection.
In clinical trials, the most frequently reported adverse events included injection site reactions, fever (greater than or equal to 38 degrees C/100.4 degrees F), irritability, drowsiness, restless sleep, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.
Risks are associated with all vaccines, including Prevnar. Hypersensitivity to any vaccine component, including diphtheria toxoid, is a contraindication to its use. Prevnar does not protect 100% of children vaccinated. Immunization with Prevnar does not substitute routine diphtheria immunization.
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth, has leading products in the areas of women’s health care, infectious disease, gastrointestinal health, central nervous system, inflammation, transplantation, hemophilia, oncology, vaccines and nutritional products.
Wyeth is one of the world’s principal research-driven pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a major leader in the finding, growth, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products, nutritionals and non-prescription medicines that improve the quality of life for people worldwide. The Company’s major divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and Fort Dodge Animal Health.