Useful PREVNAR 20® resources

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Why are vaccines important?

Thanks to vaccines, widespread diseases, including smallpox, polio, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella, are much less common now. But deadly diseases do still exist. Vaccines are one of the best ways to keep your baby healthy and help protect them from diseases.

Children under 2 years old are at a higher risk for getting certain vaccine-preventable diseases because their immune systems aren’t fully developed. For vaccines to continue to help protect children, children have to be vaccinated. As a caregiver, that’s where you come in.

I’ve never heard of IPD. Should I be concerned?

Although you may not have heard of IPD, it can be potentially serious. The bacteria that cause IPD can spread through cough or direct contact when they are on toys or other objects. In serious cases, IPD can include meningitis, which may lead to brain damage or even death.

Babies and young children in the U.S. are still getting sick with IPD. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has continued to recommend that babies get vaccinated against IPD—as they’ve recommended every year since vaccines for IPD were first available for babies.

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How does IPD spread?

The bacteria that cause IPD are most commonly found in children under 5 years old. IPD can spread through the air by cough or by contact with contaminated objects like toys. While anyone can be susceptible, the risk of being infected may be twice as high for children who go to day care.

How can I help protect my baby against IPD?

Vaccination can help protect your baby. While IPD can be potentially serious in babies and young children, PREVNAR 20 can help reduce this risk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends PREVNAR 20 for children 2-23 months.

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How will I know if my baby has been vaccinated against IPD?

Take a look at your baby’s vaccination record/card. You’ll see "PCV", "Pneumococcal conjugate", or "Pneumococcal" if your baby has gotten this vaccine. If you can’t tell, or you’re not sure, check with your baby’s doctor to make sure your baby’s shots are up to date.

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What is PREVNAR 20?

PREVNAR 20 is a vaccine approved for the prevention of invasive disease caused by 20 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae for individuals 6 weeks and older. It is also approved for the prevention of otitis media (middle ear infection) caused by 7 of the 20 strains for individuals 6 weeks through 5 years. PREVNAR 20 is not 100% effective and will only help protect against the 20 strains included in the vaccine.

Why does my baby need all 4 doses of PREVNAR 20?

PREVNAR 20 should be given as a complete 4-dose series at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months old to help protect your baby against IPD caused by the 20 strains covered by the vaccine during your baby's period of greater risk. Skipping or delaying vaccines can put your baby at higher risk.

If you delay a dose, or if your baby receives fewer than 4 doses, your baby's immune system may have a lower response. This leaves your baby with less protection than if they had all 4 doses.

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It seems like my baby is getting a lot of shots at once. Why so many?

The purpose of the immunization schedule is to help protect children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend this schedule because it works to help protect babies and children. This schedule is based on when a vaccine will work best to boost your baby’s immune system. Young infants have the capacity to respond to multiple vaccines. Not only will the vaccines not overwhelm your baby’s system, they’ll actually help strengthen it. Each vaccine dose is scheduled for the age that is considered optimal for producing the best immune system response, balanced with the need to provide protection at the earliest possible age.

How can I help my baby feel more comfortable while they’re getting their shots?

Here are some things you can do during your visit. Ask if you can hold your baby on your lap, then gently rub your baby’s back during the vaccination. Distract and comfort your baby by cuddling, singing, or talking softly. Smile and make eye contact to reassure your baby that everything’s okay. Have your baby hold a favorite toy or blanket. And ask if you can expect any side effects following your baby’s vaccination(s) and what you should do if you notice any.

I’m concerned about paying for PREVNAR 20. Is it covered by my baby’s health insurance plan?

Vaccines for your child, such as PREVNAR 20, are considered a preventive care service and may be available at no charge. The Affordable Care Act (ACA)* requires new health insurance plans to cover preventive services without charging a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance when provided by an in-network provider. If you have no insurance, or are eligible for Medicaid, you still have options to receive all 4 doses of the PREVNAR 20 vaccine for free.

Preventive care: medical care that helps prevent or detect diseases or problems.

What if we do not have insurance or are not eligible for Medicaid? Are there programs that can help?

Yes. The Vaccines for Children (VFC)* program may be able to help. The VFC program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay. While there is no charge for the vaccines, there may be other costs such as payment for the visit or other services.

Can my child get IPD from the vaccine itself?

No. PREVNAR 20 is an inactivated (killed) vaccine. This means that PREVNAR 20 will not cause IPD in your baby because it contains only parts of the bacteria’s (pneumococcus) coating.

Can getting too many vaccines weaken a baby’s immune system?

No. According to the CDC, young infants have a capacity to respond to multiple vaccines. Vaccines can help prevent the immune system from being weakened by various types of infections.

What if my child missed a dose of PREVNAR 20?

Check with your baby’s doctor to figure out the best way to catch up.