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Prevnar's package insert - Vaccine Truth
This product’s label may have been revised after this insert was used in production. For further product information and current package insert, please visit www.wyeth.com or call our medical communications department toll-free at 1-800-934-5556.
Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein), Prevnar, is a sterile solution of saccharides of the capsular antigens of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F individually conjugated to diphtheria CRM197 protein. Each serotype is grown in soy peptone broth. The individual polysaccharides are purified through centrifugation, precipitation, ultrafiltration, and column chromatography. The polysaccharides are chemically activated to make saccharides which are directly conjugated to the protein carrier CRM197 to form the glycoconjugate. This is effected by reductive amination. CRM197 is a nontoxic variant of diphtheria toxin isolated from cultures of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strain C7 (β197) grown in a casamino acids and yeast extract-based medium. CRM197 is purified through ultrafiltration, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and ion-exchange chromatography. The individual glycoconjugates are purified by ultrafiltration and column chromatography and are analyzed for saccharide to protein ratios, molecular size, free saccharide, and free protein. The individual glycoconjugates are compounded to formulate the vaccine, Prevnar. Potency of the formulated vaccine is determined by quantification of each of the saccharide antigens, and by the saccharide to protein ratios in the individual glycoconjugates.
Prevnar is manufactured as a liquid preparation. Each 0.5 mL dose is formulated to contain: 2 g of each saccharide for serotypes 4, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F, and 4 g of serotype 6B per dose (16 g total saccharide); approximately 20 g of CRM197 carrier protein; and 0.125 mg of aluminum per 0.5 mL dose as aluminum phosphate adjuvant. After shaking, the vaccine is a homogeneous, white suspension. 2
S. pneumoniae is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in persons of all ages worldwide. The organism causes invasive infections, such as bacteremia and meningitis, as well as pneumonia and upper respiratory tract infections including otitis media and sinusitis. In children older than 1 month, S. pneumoniae is the most common cause of invasive disease.1 Data from community-based studies performed between 1986 and 1995, indicate that the overall annual incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease in the United States (US) is an estimated 10 to 30 cases per 100,000 persons, with the highest risk in children aged less than or equal to 2 years of age (140 to 160 cases per 100,000 persons).2,3,4,5,6 Children in group child care have an increased risk for invasive pneumococcal disease.7,8 Immunocompromised individuals with neutropenia, asplenia, sickle cell disease, disorders of complement and humoral immunity, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections or chronic underlying disease are also at increased risk for invasive pneumococcal disease.8 S. pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the US.1 The annual incidence of pneumococcal meningitis in children between 1 to 23 months of age is approximately 7 cases per 100,000 persons.1 Pneumococcal meningitis in childhood has been associated with 8% mortality and may result in neurological sequelae (25%) and hearing loss (32%) in survivors.9
Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood disease, with more than 60% of children experiencing an episode by one year of age, and more than 90% of children experiencing an episode by age 5. Prior to the US introduction of Prevnar in the year 2000, approximately 24.5 million ambulatory care visits and 490,000 procedures for myringotomy with tube placement were attributed to otitis media annually.10,11 The peak incidence of AOM is 6 to 18 months of age.12 Otitis media is less common, but occurs, in older children. In a 1990 surveillance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), otitis media was the most common principal illness diagnosis in children 2-10 years of age.13 Complications of AOM include persistent middle ear effusion, chronic otitis media, transient hearing loss, or speech delays and, if left untreated, may lead to more serious diseases such as mastoiditis and meningitis. S. pneumoniae is an important cause of AOM. It is the bacterial pathogen most commonly isolated from middle ear fluid, identified in 20% to 40% of middle ear fluid cultures in AOM.14,15 Pneumococcal otitis media is associated with higher rates of fever, and is less likely to resolve spontaneously than AOM due to either nontypeable H. influenzae or M. catarrhalis.16,17 Prior to the introduction of Prevnar, the seven serotypes contained in the vaccine accounted for approximately 60% of AOM due to S. pneumoniae (12%-24% of all AOM).18 The exact contribution of S. pneumoniae to childhood pneumonia is unknown, as it is often not possible to identify the causative organisms. In studies of children less than 5 years of age with community-acquired pneumonia, where diagnosis was attempted using serological methods, antigen testing, or culture data, 30% of cases were classified as bacterial pneumonia, and 70% of these (21% of total community-acquired pneumonia) were found to be due to S. pneumoniae.19,20 3
In the past decade the proportion of S. pneumoniae isolates resistant to antibiotics has been on the rise in the US and worldwide. In a multi-center US surveillance study, the prevalence of penicillin and cephalosporin-nonsusceptible (intermediate or high level resistance) invasive disease isolates from children was 21% (range <5% to 38% among centers), and 9.3% (range 0%-18%), respectively. Over the 3-year surveillance period (1993-1996), there was a 50% increase in penicillin-nonsusceptible S. pneumoniae (PNSP) strains and a three-fold rise in cephalosporin-nonsusceptible strains.8 Although generally less common than PNSP, pneumococci resistant to macrolides and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole have also been observed.4 Day care attendance, a history of ear infection, and a recent history of antibiotic exposure, have also been associated with invasive infections with PNSP in children 2 months to 59 months of age.7,8 There has been no difference in mortality associated with PNSP strains.8,9 However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) revised the antibiotic treatment guidelines in 1997 in response to the increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pneumococci.21 Approximately 90 serotypes of S. pneumoniae have been identified based on antigenic differences in their capsular polysaccharides. The distribution of serotypes responsible for disease differ with age and geographic location.22 Serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F have been responsible for approximately 80% of invasive pneumococcal disease in children <6 years of age in the US.18 These 7 serotypes also accounted for 74% of PNSP and 100% of pneumococci with high level penicillin resistance isolated from children <6 years with invasive disease during a 1993-1994 surveillance by the CDC.23
Efficacy was assessed in a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial in a multiethnic population at Northern California Kaiser Permanente (NCKP) from October 1995 through August 20, 1998, in which 37,816 infants were randomized to receive either Prevnar or a control vaccine (an investigational meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine [MnCC]) at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age. Prevnar was administered to 18,906 children and the control vaccine to 18,910 children. Routinely recommended vaccines were also administered which changed during the trial to reflect changing AAP and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations. A planned interim analysis was performed upon accrual of 17 cases of invasive disease due to vaccine-type S. pneumoniae (August 1998). Ancillary endpoints for evaluation of efficacy against pneumococcal disease were also assessed in this trial. Invasive disease was defined as isolation and identification of S. pneumoniae from normally sterile body sites in children presenting with an acute illness consistent with pneumococcal disease. Weekly surveillance of listings of cultures from the NCKP Regional Microbiology database was conducted to assure ascertainment of all cases. The primary endpoint was efficacy against invasive pneumococcal disease due to vaccine serotypes. The per protocol analysis of the primary endpoint included cases which occurred ≥14 days after the third dose. The intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis included all cases of invasive pneumococcal disease due to vaccine serotypes in children who received at least one dose of vaccine. Secondary analyses of efficacy against all invasive pneumococcal disease, regardless of serotype, were also performed according to these same per protocol and ITT definitions. Results of these analyses are presented in Table 1.
Efficacy of Prevnar Against Invasive Disease Due to S. pneumoniae
in Cases Accrued From October 15, 1995 Through August 20, 1998 24,25
Prevnar
Number of Cases Efficacy 95% CI
† Includes one case in an immunocompromised subject. All 22 cases of invasive disease due to vaccine serotype strains in the ITT population were bacteremic. In addition, the following diagnoses were also reported: meningitis (2), pneumonia (2), and cellulitis (1). Data accumulated through an extended follow-up period to April 20, 1999, resulted in a similar efficacy estimate (Per protocol: 1 case in Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein), Prevnar group, 39 cases in control group; ITT: 3 cases in Prevnar group, 49 cases in the control group).25
The efficacy of Prevnar against otitis media was assessed in two clinical trials: a trial in Finnish infants at the National Public Health Institute and the invasive disease efficacy trial in US infants at Northern California Kaiser Permanente (NCKP). The trial in Finland was a randomized, double-blind trial in which 1,662 infants were equally randomized to receive either Prevnar or a control vaccine (Hepatitis B vaccine [Hep B]) at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age. All infants received a DTP-Hib combination vaccine concurrently at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) concurrently at 12 months of age. Parents of study participants were asked to bring their children to the study clinics if the child had respiratory infections or symptoms suggesting acute otitis media (AOM). If AOM was diagnosed, tympanocentesis was performed, and the middle ear fluid was cultured. If S. pneumoniae was isolated, serotyping was performed. AOM was defined as a visually abnormal tympanic membrane suggesting effusion in the middle ear cavity, concomitantly with at least one of the following symptoms of acute infection: fever, ear ache, irritability, diarrhea, vomiting, acute otorrhea not caused by external otitis, or other symptoms of respiratory infection. A new visit or “episode” was defined as a visit with a study physician at which time a diagnosis of AOM was made and at least 30 days had elapsed since any previous visit for otitis media. The primary endpoint was efficacy against AOM episodes caused by vaccine serotypes in the per protocol population.
In the NCKP invasive disease efficacy trial, the effectiveness of Prevnar in reducing the incidence of otitis media was assessed from the beginning of the trial in October 1995 through April 1998. During this time, 34,146 infants were randomized to receive either Prevnar (N=17,070), or the control, an investigational meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine (N=17,076), at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age. Physician visits for otitis media were identified by physician coding of outpatient encounter forms. Because visits may have included both acute and follow-up care, a new visit or “episode” was defined as a visit that was at least 21 days following a previous visit for otitis media (at least 42 days, if the visit appointment was made > 3 days in advance). Data on placement of ear tubes were collected from automated databases. No routine tympanocentesis was performed, and no standard definition of otitis media was used by study physicians. The primary otitis media endpoint was efficacy against all otitis media episodes in the per protocol population. Table 2 presents the per protocol and intent-to-treat results of key otitis media analyses for both studies. The per protocol analyses include otitis media episodes that occurred ≥14 days after the third dose. The intent-to-treat analyses include all otitis media episodes in children who received at least one dose of vaccine.
Efficacy of Prevnar Against Otitis Media in the Finnish and NCKP Trials 24,25,26,27
Per Protocol Intent-to-Treat
Vaccine EfficacyEstimate*
Confidence Interval Vaccine Efficacy Estimate*95%
Confidence Interval Finnish Trial N=1632 N=1662
AOM due to Vaccine Serotypes 57% 44, 67 54% 41, 64
All culture-confirmed pneumococcal AOM regardless of serotype 34% 21, 45 32% 19, 42
NCKP Trial N=23,746 N=34,146
All Otitis Media Episodes
regardless of etiology†
7% 4, 10 6% 4, 9
* All vaccine efficacy estimates in the table are statistically significant. † The vaccine efficacy against all AOM episodes in the Finnish trial, while not reaching statistical significance, was 6% (95% CI: -4, 16) in the per protocol population and 4% (95% CI: -7, 14) in the intent-to-treat population.
The vaccine efficacy against AOM episodes due to vaccine-related serotypes (6A, 9N, 18B, 19A, 23A), also assessed in the Finnish trial, was 51% (95% CI: 27, 67) in the per protocol population and 44% (95% CI: 20, 62) in the intent-to-treat population. The vaccine efficacy against AOM episodes caused by serotypes unrelated to the vaccine was -33% (95% CI: -80, 1) in the per protocol population and -39% (95% CI: -86, -3) in the intent-to-treat population, indicating that children who received Prevnar appear to be at increased risk of otitis media due to pneumococcal serotypes not represented in the vaccine, compared to children who received the control vaccine. However, vaccination with Prevnar reduced pneumococcal otitis media episodes overall. Several other otitis media endpoints were also assessed in the two trials. Recurrent AOM, defined as 3 episodes in 6 months or 4 episodes in 12 months, was reduced by 9% in both the per protocol and intent-to-treat populations (95% CI: 3, 15 in per protocol and 95% CI: 4, 14 in intent-to-treat) in the NCKP trial. This observation was supported by a similar trend, although not statistically significant, seen in the Finnish trial. The NCKP trial also demonstrated a 20% reduction (95% CI: 2, 35) in the placement of tympanostomy tubes in the per protocol population and a 21% reduction (95% CI: 4, 34) in the intent-to-treat population. Data from the NCKP trial accumulated through an extended follow-up period to April 20, 1999, in which a total of 37,866 children were included (18,925 in Prevnar group and 18,941 in MnCC control group), resulted in similar otitis media efficacy estimates for all endpoints.28
Subjects from a subset of selected study sites in the NCKP efficacy study were approached for participation in the immunogenicity portion of the study on a volunteer basis. Immune responses following three or four doses of Prevnar or the control vaccine were evaluated in children who received either concurrent Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed and Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein Conjugate), (DTP-HbOC), or Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed (DTaP), and Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein Conjugate), (HbOC) vaccines at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. The use of Hepatitis B (Hep B), Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), and Varicella vaccines were permitted according to the AAP and ACIP recommendations.
Table 3 presents the geometric mean concentrations (GMC) of pneumococcal antibodies following the third and fourth doses of Prevnar or the control vaccine when administered concurrently with DTP-HbOC vaccine in the efficacy study.
Geometric Mean Concentrations (g/mL) of Pneumococcal Antibodies Following the Third and Fourth Doses of Prevnar or Control* When Administered Concurrently With DTP-HbOC in the Efficacy Study 24,25 Serotype Post dose 3 GMC† Post dose 4 GMC‡ (95% CI for Prevnar) (95% CI for Prevnar)
Prevnar§ Control* Prevnar§ Control*
N=88 N=92 N=68 N=61
(1.19, 1.78)
0.03 2.38
(1.88, 3.03)
6B 4.70
(3.59, 6.14)
0.08 14.45
(11.17, 18.69)
9V 1.99
0.05 3.51
(2.75, 4.48)
(3.70, 5.74)
0.05 6.52
(5.18, 8.21)
18C 2.16
(1.73, 2.69)
0.04 3.43
(2.70, 4.37)
19F 1.39
0.09 2.07
(1.66, 2.57)
23F 1.85
(1.46, 2.34)
0.05 3.82
(2.85, 5.11)
* Control was investigational meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine (MnCC).
† Mean age of Prevnar group was 7.8 months and of control group was 7.7 months.
N is slightly less for some serotypes in each group.
‡ Mean age of Prevnar group was 14.2 months and of control group was 14.4 months.
§ p<0.001 when Prevnar compared to control for each serotype using a Wilcoxon’s test. In another randomized study (Manufacturing Bridging Study, 118-16), immune responses were evaluated following three doses of Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein), Prevnar administered concomitantly with DTaP and HbOC vaccines at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, IPV at 2 and 4 months of age, and Hep B at 2 and 6 months of age. The control group received concomitant vaccines only. Table 4 presents the immune responses to pneumococcal polysaccharides observed in both this study and in the subset of subjects from the efficacy study that received concomitant DTaP and HbOC vaccines.
Geometric Mean Concentrations (g/mL) of Pneumococcal Antibodies Following the Third Dose of Prevnar or Control* When Administered Concurrently With DTaP and HbOC in the Efficacy Study† and Manufacturing Bridging Study24,25,29 Efficacy Study Manufacturing Bridging Study Serotype Post dose 3 GMC‡ Post dose 3 GMC§ (95% CI for Prevnar) (95% CI for Prevnar) Prevnar ll Control* Prevnar ll Control*
N=32 N=32 N=159 N=83
(1.08, 2.02)
0.02 2.03
(1.75, 2.37)
6B 2.18
(1.20, 3.96)
0.06 2.97
(2.43, 3.65)
9V 1.52
(1.04, 2.22)
(1.01, 1.39)
(3.32, 7.70)
0.04 4.64
(3.80, 5.66)
18C 2.24
(1.65, 3.02)
0.04 1.96
(1.66, 2.30)
19F 1.54
(1.09, 2.17)
(1.63, 2.25)
23F 1.48
(1.44, 2.05)
* Control in efficacy study was investigational meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine (MnCC) and in Manufacturing Bridging Study was concomitant vaccines only. † Sufficient data are not available to reliably assess GMCs following 4 doses of Prevnar when administered with DTaP in the NCKP efficacy study. ‡ Mean age of the Prevnar group was 7.4 months and of the control group was 7.6 months. N is slightly less for some serotypes in each group. § Mean age of the Prevnar group and the control group was 7.2 months. ll p<0.001 when Prevnar compared to control for each serotype using a Wilcoxon’s test in the efficacy study and two-sample t-test in the Manufacturing Bridging Study. In all studies in which the immune responses to Prevnar were contrasted to control, a significant antibody response was seen to all vaccine serotypes following three or four doses, although geometric mean concentrations of antibody varied among serotypes.24,25,27,29,30,31,32,33,34 The minimum serum antibody concentration necessary for protection against invasive pneumococcal disease or against pneumococcal otitis media has not been determined for any serotype. Prevnar induces functional antibodies to all vaccine serotypes, as measured by opsonophagocytosis following three doses.34
To determine an appropriate schedule for children 7 months of age or older at the time of the first immunization with Prevnar, 483 children in 4 ancillary studies received Prevnar at various schedules and were evaluated for immunogenicity. GMCs attained using the various schedules among older infants and children were comparable to immune responses of children, who received concomitant DTaP, in the NCKP efficacy study (118-8) after 3 doses for most serotypes, as shown in Table 5. These data support the schedule for previously unvaccinated older infants and children who are beyond the age of the infant schedule. For usage in older infants and children,
Geometric Mean Concentrations (g/mL) of Pneumococcal Antibodies Following Immunization of Children From 7 Months Through 9 Years of Age With Prevnar 35
Age group, Study Sample
Vaccinations Size(s) 4 6B 9V 14 18C 19F 23F
7-11 mo. 3 doses 118-12 22 2.34 3.66 2.11 9.33 2.31 1.60 2.50
118-16 39 3.60 4.63 2.04 5.48 1.98 2.15 1.93
12-17 mo. 2 doses 118-15* 82-84† 3.91 4.67 1.94 6.92 2.25 3.78 3.29
118-18 33 7.02 4.25 3.26 6.31 3.60 3.29 2.92
18-23 mo. 2 doses 118-15* 52-54† 3.36 4.92 1.80 6.69 2.65 3.17 2.71
118-18 45 6.85 3.71 3.86 6.48 3.42 3.86 2.75
24-35 mo. 1 dose 118-18 53 5.34 2.90 3.43 1.88 3.03 4.07 1.56
36-59 mo. 1 dose 118-18 52 6.27 6.40 4.62 5.95 4.08 6.37 2.95
5-9 yrs. 1 dose 118-18 101 6.92 20.84 7.49 19.32 6.72 12.51 11.57
118-8, DTaP Post dose 3 31-32† 1.47 2.18 1.52 5.05 2.24 1.54 1.48
Bold = GMC not inferior to 118-8, DTaP post dose 3 (one-sided lower limit of the 95% CI of
GMC ratio ≥0.50).
* Study in Navajo and Apache populations.
† Numbers vary with serotype.
Prevnar is indicated for active immunization of infants and toddlers against invasive disease caused by S. pneumoniae due to capsular serotypes included in the vaccine (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F). The routine schedule is 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age. The decision to administer Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein), Prevnar should be based primarily on its efficacy in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease. As with any vaccine, Prevnar may not protect all individuals receiving the vaccine from invasive pneumococcal disease.
Prevnar is also indicated for active immunization of infants and toddlers against otitis media caused by serotypes included in the vaccine. However, for vaccine serotypes, protection against otitis media is expected to be substantially lower than protection against invasive disease. Additionally, because otitis media is caused by many organisms other than serotypes of S. pneumoniae represented in the vaccine, protection against all causes of otitis media is expected to be low.
(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY for estimates of efficacy against invasive disease and otitis media).
For additional information on usage, see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.
Hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including diphtheria toxoid, is a contraindication to use of this vaccine. The decision to administer or delay vaccination because of a current or recent febrile illness depends largely on the severity of the symptoms and their etiology. Although a severe or even a moderate febrile illness is sufficient reason to postpone vaccinations, minor illnesses, such as a mild upper respiratory infection with or without low-grade fever, are not generally contraindications.36,37
THIS VACCINE WILL NOT PROTECT AGAINST S. PNEUMONIAE DISEASE CAUSED BY SEROTYPES UNRELATED TO THOSE IN THE VACCINE, NOR WILL IT PROTECT AGAINST OTHER MICROORGANISMS THAT CAUSE INVASIVE INFECTIONS SUCH AS BACTEREMIA AND MENINGITIS OR NON-INVASIVE INFECTIONS SUCH AS OTITIS MEDIA.
This vaccine should not be given to infants or children with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder that would contraindicate intramuscular injection unless the potential benefit clearly outweighs the risk of administration. If the decision is made to administer this vaccine to children with coagulation disorders, it should be given with caution. (See DRUG INTERACTIONS.)
Immunization with Prevnar does not substitute for routine diphtheria immunization. Healthcare professionals should prescribe and/or administer this product with caution to patients with a possible history of latex sensitivity since the packaging contains dry natural rubber.
Prevnar is for intramuscular use only. Prevnar SHOULD UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE ADMINISTERED INTRAVENOUSLY. The safety and immunogenicity for other routes of administration (eg, subcutaneous) have not been evaluated.
Fever, and rarely febrile seizure, have been reported in children receiving Prevnar. For children at higher risk of seizures than the general population, acetaminophen or other appropriate antipyretics (dosed according to respective prescribing information) may be administered around the time of vaccination, to reduce the possibility of post-vaccination fever.
CARE IS TO BE TAKEN BY THE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL FOR THE SAFE AND
1. PRIOR TO ADMINISTRATION OF ANY DOSE OF THIS VACCINE, THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN SHOULD BE ASKED ABOUT THE PERSONAL HISTORY, FAMILY HISTORY, AND RECENT HEALTH STATUS OF THE VACCINE RECIPIENT. THE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL SHOULD ASCERTAIN PREVIOUS IMMUNIZATION HISTORY, CURRENT HEALTH STATUS, AND OCCURRENCE OF ANY SYMPTOMS AND/OR SIGNS OF AN ADVERSE EVENT AFTER PREVIOUS IMMUNIZATIONS IN THE CHILD TO BE IMMUNIZED, IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE EXISTENCE OF ANY CONTRAINDICATION TO IMMUNIZATION WITH THIS VACCINE AND TO ALLOW AN ASSESSMENT OF RISKS AND BENEFITS.
2. BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATION OF ANY BIOLOGICAL, THE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL SHOULD TAKE ALL PRECAUTIONS KNOWN FOR THE PREVENTION OF ALLERGIC OR ANY OTHER ADVERSE REACTIONS.
This should include a review of the patient’s history regarding possible sensitivity; the ready availability of epinephrine 1:1000 and other appropriate agents used for control of immediate allergic reactions; and a knowledge of the recent literature pertaining to use of the biological concerned, including the nature of side effects and adverse reactions that may follow its use. 3. Children with impaired immune responsiveness, whether due to the use of immunosuppressive therapy (including irradiation, corticosteroids, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, and cytotoxic agents), a genetic defect, HIV infection, or other causes, may have reduced antibody response to active immunization.36,37,38 (See DRUG INTERACTIONS.)
4. The use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine does not replace the use of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in children ≥ 24 months of age with sickle cell disease, asplenia, HIV infection, chronic illness or who are immunocompromised. Data on sequential vaccination with Prevnar followed by 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine are limited. In a randomized study, 23 children ≥ 2 years of age with sickle cell disease were administered either 2 doses of Prevnar followed by a dose of polysaccharide vaccine or a single dose of polysaccharide vaccine alone. In this small study, safety and immune responses with the combined schedule were similar to polysaccharide vaccine alone.39
5. Since this product is a suspension containing an aluminum adjuvant, shake vigorously immediately prior to use to obtain a uniform suspension prior to withdrawing the dose.
6. A separate sterile syringe and needle or a sterile disposable unit should be used for each individual to prevent transmission of hepatitis or other infectious agents from one person to another. Needles should be disposed of properly and should not be recapped.
7. The vaccine is to be administered immediately after being drawn up into a syringe.
8. Special care should be taken to prevent injection into or near a blood vessel or nerve.
9. Healthcare professionals should prescribe and/or administer this product with caution to patients with a possible history of latex sensitivity since the packaging contains dry natural rubber.
Prior to administration of this vaccine, the healthcare professional should inform the parent, guardian, or other responsible adult of the potential benefits and risks to the patient (see ADVERSE REACTIONS and WARNINGS sections), and the importance of completing the immunization series unless contraindicated. Parents or guardians should be instructed to report any suspected adverse reactions to their healthcare professional. The healthcare professional should provide vaccine information statements prior to each vaccination.
Children receiving therapy with immunosuppressive agents (large amounts of corticosteroids, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, cytotoxic agents) may not respond optimally to active immunization.37,38,40,41 (See PRECAUTIONS, General.) As with other intramuscular injections, Prevnar should be given with caution to children on anticoagulant therapy.
During clinical studies, Prevnar was administered simultaneously with DTP-HbOC or DTaP and HbOC, OPV or IPV, Hep B vaccines, MMR, and Varicella vaccine. Thus, the safety experience with Prevnar reflects the use of this product as part of the routine immunization schedule.24,25,29,31,32,34
The immune response to routine vaccines when administered with Prevnar (at separate sites) was assessed in 3 clinical studies in which there was a control group for comparison. Results for the concurrent immunizations in infants are shown in Table 6 and for toddlers in Table 7. Enhancement of antibody response to HbOC in the infant series was observed. Some suppression of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) response was seen at the 4th dose, but over 97% of children achieved titers ≥1 g/mL. Although some inconsistent differences in response to pertussis antigens were observed, the clinical relevance is unknown. The response to 2 doses of IPV given concomitantly with Prevnar, assessed 3 months after the second dose, was equivalent to controls for poliovirus Types 2 and 3, but lower for Type 1. MMR and Varicella immunogenicity data from controlled clinical trials with concurrent administration of Prevnar are not available.
Concurrent Administration of Prevnar With Other
Vaccines to Infants in Non-Efficacy Studies 29,32
Antigen* GMC* % Responders† Study Vaccine
Schedule‡ N
Prevnar Control§ Prevnar Control§ (mo.) Prevnar Control§
Hib 6.2 4.4 99.5, 88.3 97.0, 88.1 118-12 2, 4, 6 214 67
Diphtheria 0.9 0.8 100 97.0
Tetanus 3.5 4.1II 100 100
PT 19.1 17.8 74.0 69.7
FHA 43.8 46.7 66.4 69.7
Pertactin 40.1 50.9 65.6 77.3
Fimbriae 2 3.3 4.2 44.7 62.5ll
Hib 11.9 7.8 ll 100, 96.9 98.8, 92.8 118-16 2, 4, 6 159 83
Hep B -- -- 99.4 96.2 118-16 0, 2, 6 156 80
IPVType 1 -- -- 89.0 93.6¶ 118-16 2, 4 156 80
Type 2 -- -- 94.2 93.6
Type 3 -- -- 83.8 80.8
* Hib vaccine was HibTITER, DTaP vaccine was Acel-Imune. Hib (g/mL); Dip, Tet (IU/mL); Pertussis Antigens (PT, FHA, Ptn, Fim) (units/mL). † Responders = Hib (≥0.15 g/mL, ≥1.0 g/mL); Dip, Tet (≥0.1 IU/mL); Pertussis Antigens (PT, FHA, Ptn, Fim) [4-fold rise]; IPV (≥1:10); Hep B (≥10 mIU/mL). ‡ Schedule for concurrently administered vaccines; Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein), Prevnar administered at 2, 4, 6 mos.; blood for antibody assessment attained 1 month after third dose, except for IPV (3 months post-immunization). § Concurrent vaccines only. ll p<0.05 when Prevnar compared to control group using the following tests: ANCOVA for GMCs in 118-12; ANOVA for GMCs in 118-16; and Fisher’s Exact test for % Responders in 118-12. ¶ Lower bound of 90% CI of difference >10%.
Concurrent Administration of Prevnar With Other Vaccines to Toddlers in a
Non-Efficacy Study 31
Antigen* GMC* % Responders† Study‡ Vaccine
Schedule§ N
Prevnar Controlll Prevnar Controlll (mo.) Prevnar Controlll
Hib 22.7 47.9¶ 100, 97.9 100, 100 118-7 12-15 47 26
Diphtheria 2.0 3.2¶ 100 100
Tetanus 14.4 18.8 100 100
PT 68.6 121.2¶ 68.1 73.1
FHA 29.0 48.2¶ 68.1 84.6
Pertactin 84.4 83.0 83.0 96.2
Fimbriae 2 5.2 3.8 63.8 50.0
* Hib vaccine was HibTITER, DTaP vaccine was Acel-Imune. Hib (g/mL); Dip, Tet (IU/mL); Pertussis Antigens (PT, FHA, Ptn, Fim) (units/mL). † Responders = Hib (≥0.15 g/mL, ≥1.0 g/mL); Dip, Tet (≥0.1 IU/mL); Pertussis Antigens (PT, FHA, Ptn, Fim) [4-fold rise]. ‡ Children received a primary series of DTP-HbOC (Tetramune).
§ Blood for antibody assessment obtained 1 month after dose.ll Concurrent vaccines only. ¶ p<0.05 when Prevnar compared to control group using a two-sample t-test.
Prevnar has not been evaluated for any carcinogenic or mutagenic potential, or impairment of fertility.
Animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with this product. It is not known whether Prevnar can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or whether it can affect reproductive capacity. This vaccine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
It is not known whether vaccine antigens or antibodies are excreted in human milk. This vaccine is not recommended for use in a nursing mother.
Prevnar has been shown to be usually well-tolerated and immunogenic in infants. The safety and effectiveness of Prevnar in children below the age of 6 weeks or on or after the 10th birthday have not been established. Immune responses elicited by Prevnar among infants born prematurely have not been studied. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION for the recommended pediatric dosage.
This vaccine is NOT recommended for use in adult populations. It is not to be used as a substitute for the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in geriatric populations.
Pre-Licensure Clinical Trial Experience
The majority of the safety experience with Prevnar comes from the NCKP Efficacy Trial in which 17,066 infants received 55,352 doses of Prevnar, along with other routine childhood vaccines through April 1998 (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY section). The number of Prevnar recipients in the safety analysis differs from the number included in the efficacy analysis due to the different lengths of follow-up for these study endpoints. Safety was monitored in this study using several modalities. Local reactions and systemic events occurring within 48 hours of each dose of vaccine were ascertained by scripted telephone interview on a randomly selected subset of approximately 3,000 children in each vaccine group. The rate of relatively rare events requiring medical attention was evaluated across all doses in all study participants using automated databases. Specifically, rates of hospitalizations within 3, 14, 30, and 60 days of immunization, and of emergency room visits within 3, 14, and 30 days of immunization were assessed and compared between vaccine groups for each diagnosis. Seizures within 3 and 30 days of immunization were ascertained across multiple settings (hospitalizations, emergency room or clinic visits, telephone interviews). Deaths and SIDS were ascertained through April 1999. Hospitalizations due to diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and blood disorders were ascertained through August 1999. In Tables 8 and 9 the rate of local reactions at the Prevnar injection site is compared at each dose to the DTP or DTaP injection site in the same children.
Percentage of Subjects Reporting Local Reactions Within 2 Days Following Immunization
With Prevnar and DTP-HbOC* Vaccines at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 Months of Age 24,25
Reaction Dose 1 Dose 2 Dose 3 Dose 4
Prevnar Site DTPHbOC Site Prevnar Site DTPHbOC Site† Prevnar Site DTPHbOC Site† PrevnarSiteDTPHbOC
N=2890 N=2890 N=2725 N=2725 N=2538 N=2538 N=599 N=599
Any 12.4 21.9 14.3 25.1 15.2 26.5 12.7 23.4
>2.4 cm 1.2 4.6 1.0 2.9 2.0 4.4 1.7 6.4
Any 10.9 22.4 12.3 23.0 12.8 23.3 11.4 20.5
>2.4 cm 2.6 7.2 2.4 5.6 2.9 6.7 2.8 7.2
Any 28.0 36.4 25.2 30.5 25.6 32.8 36.5 45.1
7.9 10.7 7.4 8.4 7.8 10.0 18.5 22.2
* If Hep B vaccine was administered simultaneously, it was administered into the same limb as the DTP-HbOC vaccine. If reactions occurred at either or both sites on that limb, the more severe reaction was recorded. † p<0.05 when Prevnar site compared to the DTP-HbOC site using the sign test.
With Prevnar* and DTaPVaccines† at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 Months of Age24,25
Reaction Dose 1 Dose 2 Dose 3 Dose 4 Prevnar Site DTaP Site Prevnar Site DtaP Site Prevnar Site DtaP Site Prevnar Site DtaP Site‡
N=693 N=693 N=526 N=526 N=422 N=422 N=165 N=165
Any 10.0 6.7§ 11.6 10.5 13.8 11.4 10.9 3.6§
>2.4 cm 1.3 0.4§ 0.6 0.6 1.4 1.0 3.6 0.6
Any 9.8 6.6§ 12.0 10.5 10.4 10.4 12.1 5.5§
>2.4 cm 1.6 0.9 1.3 1.7 2.4 1.9 5.5 1.8
Any 17.9 16.0 19.4 17.3 14.7 13.1 23.3 18.4
Interfered with limb movement
3.1 1.8§ 4.1 3.3 2.9 1.9 9.2 8.0
* HbOC was administered in the same limb as Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein), Prevnar. If reactions occurred at either or both sites on that limb, the more severe reaction was recorded. † If Hep B vaccine was administered simultaneously, it was administered into the same limb as DTaP. If reactions occurred at either or both sites on that limb, the more severe reaction was recorded. ‡ Subjects may have received DTP or a mixed DTP/DTaP regimen for the primary series. Thus, this is the 4th dose of a pertussis vaccine, but not a 4th dose of DTaP. § p<0.05 when Prevnar site compared to DTaP site using the sign test.
Table 10 presents the rates of local reactions in previously unvaccinated older infants and children.
Percentage of Subjects Reporting Local Reactions Within 3 Days of Immunization With Prevnar in Infants and Children from 7 Months Through 9 Years of Age 35 Age at 1st
7 - 11 Mos. 12 - 23 Mos. 24 - 35
Mos. 36 - 59 Mos. 5 - 9 Yrs.
Study No. 118-12 118-16 118-9* 118-18 118-18 118-18 118-18
Dose Number 1 2 3† 1 2 3† 1 1 2 1 1 1
Number of 54 51 24 81 76 50 60 114 117 46 48 49
Any 16.7 11.8 20.8 7.4 7.9 14.0 48.3 10.5 9.4 6.5 29.2 24.2
>2.4 cm‡ 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.7 1.8 1.7 0.0 8.3 7.1
Any 16.7 11.8 8.3 7.4 3.9 10.0 48.3 8.8 6.0 10.9 22.9 25.5
>2.4 cm‡ 3.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.3 0.9 0.9 2.2 6.3 9.3
Any 13.0 11.8 12.5 8.6 10.5 12.0 46.7 25.7 26.5 41.3 58.3 82.8
Interfered with limb movement§
1.9 2.0 4.2 1.2 1.3 0.0 3.3 6.2 8.5 13.0 20.8 39.4
* For 118-9, 2 of 60 subjects were ≥24 months of age.
† For 118-12, dose 3 was administered at 15 - 18 mos. of age. For 118-16, dose 3 was administered at 12 - 15 mos. of age. ‡ For 118-16 and 118-18, ≥2 cm. § Tenderness interfering with limb movement.
Tables 11 and 12 present the rates of systemic events observed in the efficacy study when Prevnar was administered concomitantly with DTP or DTaP.
Percentage of Subjects* Reporting Systemic Events Within 2 Days Following Immunization With Prevnar or Control† Vaccine Concurrently With DTP-HbOC Vaccine at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 Months of Age24,25
Prevnar Control† Prevnar Control† Prevnar Control† Prevnar Control†
N=2998 N=2982 N=2788 N=2761 N=2596 N=2591 N=709 N=733
≥38.0°C 33.4 28.7‡ 34.7 27.4‡ 40.6 32.4‡ 41.9 36.9
>39.0°C 1.3 1.3 3.0 1.6‡ 5.3 3.4‡ 4.5 4.5
Irritability 71.3 67.9‡ 69.4 63.8‡ 68.9 61.6‡ 72.8 65.8‡
Drowsiness 49.2 50.6 32.5 33.6 25.9 23.4‡ 21.3 22.7
Restless Sleep 18.1 17.9 27.3 24.3‡ 33.3 30.1‡ 29.9 28.0
24.7 23.6 22.8 20.3‡ 27.7 25.6 33.0 27.4‡
Vomiting 17.9 14.9‡ 16.2 14.4 15.5 12.7‡ 9.6 6.8
Diarrhea 12.0 10.7 10.9 9.9 11.5 10.4 12.1 11.2
Urticaria-like Rash 0.7 0.6 0.8 0.8 1.4 1.1 1.4 0.8
* Approximately 90% of subjects received prophylactic or therapeutic antipyretics within 48 hours of each dose. † Investigational meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine (MnCC). ‡ p<0.05 when Prevnar compared to control group using a Chi-Square test.
Percentage of Subjects* Reporting Systemic Events Within 2 Days Following
Immunization With Prevnar or Control† Vaccine Concurrently With DTaP Vaccine at 2,
4, 6, and 12-15 Months of Age 24,25
Reaction Dose 1 Dose 2 Dose 3 Dose 4‡
N=710 N=711 N=559 N=508 N=461 N=414 N=224 N=230
≥38.0°C 15.1 9.4§ 23.9 10.8§ 19.1 11.8§ 21.0 17.0
>39.0°C 0.9 0.3 2.5 0.8§ 1.7 0.7 1.3 1.7
Irritability 48.0 48.2 58.7 45.3§ 51.2 44.8 44.2 42.6
Drowsiness 40.7 42.0 25.6 22.8 19.5 21.9 17.0 16.5
Restless Sleep 15.3 15.1 20.2 19.3 25.2 19.0§ 20.2 19.1
17.0 13.5 17.4 13.4 20.7 13.8§ 20.5 23.1
Vomiting 14.6 14.5 16.8 14.4 10.4 11.6 4.9 4.8
Diarrhea 11.9 8.4§ 10.2 9.3 8.3 9.4 11.6 9.2
1.4 0.3§ 1.3 1.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 1.7
* Approximately 75% of subjects received prophylactic or therapeutic antipyretics within 48 hours of each dose. † Investigational meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine (MnCC). ‡ Most of these children had received DTP for the primary series. Thus, this is a 4th dose of a pertussis vaccine, but not of DTaP. § p<0.05 when Prevnar compared to control group using a Chi-Square test.
Table 13 presents results from a second study (Manufacturing Bridging Study) conducted at Northern California and Denver Kaiser sites, in which children were randomized to receive one of three lots of Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein), Prevnar, with concomitant vaccines including DTaP, or the same concomitant vaccines alone. Information was ascertained by scripted telephone interview, as described above.
Percentage of Subjects* Reporting Systemic Reactions Within 3 Days Following
Immunization With Prevnar, DTaP, HbOC, Hep B, and IPV vs. Control†
In Manufacturing Bridging Study 29
Reaction Dose 1 Dose 2 Dose 3
Prevnar Control† Prevnar Control† Prevnar Control†
N=498 N=108 N=452 N=99 N=445 N=89
≥38.0°C 21.9 10.2‡ 33.6 17.2‡ 28.1 23.6
>39.0°C 0.8 0.9 3.8 0.0 2.2 0.0
Irritability 59.7 60.2 65.3 52.5‡ 54.2 50.6
Drowsiness 50.8 38.9‡ 30.3 31.3 21.2 20.2
19.1 15.7 20.6 11.1‡ 20.4 9.0‡
* Approximately 72% of subjects received prophylactic or therapeutic antipyretics within 48 hours of each dose. † Control group received concomitant vaccines only in the same schedule as the Prevnar group (DTaP, HbOC at dose 1, 2, 3; IPV at doses 1 and 2; Hep B at doses 1 and 3). ‡ p<0.05 when Prevnar compared to control group using Fisher’s Exact test. Fever (≥38.0°C) within 48 hours of a vaccine dose was reported by a greater proportion of subjects who received Prevnar, compared to control (investigational meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine [MnCC]), after each dose when administered concurrently with DTP-HbOC or DTaP in the efficacy study. In the Manufacturing Bridging Study, fever within 48-72 hours was also reported more commonly after each dose compared to infants in the control group who received only recommended vaccines. When administered concurrently with DTaP in either study, fever rates among Prevnar recipients ranged from 15% to 34%, and were greatest after the 2nd dose.
Table 14 presents the frequencies of systemic reactions in previously unvaccinated older infants and children.
Percentage of Subjects Reporting Systemic Reactions Within 3 Days of Immunization With Prevnar in Infants and Children from 7 Months Through 9 Years of Age35 Age at 1st
7 - 11 Mos. 12 - 23 Mos 24 - 35
Mos. 36 - 59
Mos. 5 -9
Number of 54 51 24 85 80 50 60 120 117 47 52 100
≥38.0°C 20.8 21.6 25.0 17.6 18.8 22.0 36.7 11.7 6.8 14.9 11.5 7.0
>39.0°C 1.9 5.9 0.0 1.6 3.9 2.6 0.0 4.4 0.0 4.2 2.3 1.2
Fussiness 29.6 39.2 16.7 54.1 41.3 38.0 40.0 37.5 36.8 46.8 34.6 29.3
Drowsiness 11.1 17.6 16.7 24.7 16.3 14.0 13.3 18.3 11.1 12.8 17.3 11.0
9.3 15.7 0.0 15.3 15.0 30.0 25.0 20.8 16.2 23.4 11.5 9.0
† For 118-12, dose 3 was administered at 15 - 18 mos. of age. For 118-16, dose 3 was administered at 12 - 15 mos. of age. Of the 17,066 subjects who received at least one dose of Prevnar in the efficacy trial, there were 24 hospitalizations (for 29 diagnoses) within 3 days of a dose from October 1995 through April 1998. Diagnoses were as follows: bronchiolitis (5); congenital anomaly (4); elective procedure, UTI (3 each); acute gastroenteritis, asthma, pneumonia (2 each); aspiration, breath holding, influenza, inguinal hernia repair, otitis media, febrile seizure, viral syndrome, well child/reassurance (1 each). There were 162 visits to the emergency room (for 182 diagnoses) within 3 days of a dose from October 1995 through April 1998. Diagnoses were as follows: febrile illness (20); acute gastroenteritis (19); trauma, URI (16 each); otitis media (15); well child (13); irritable child, viral syndrome (10 each); rash (8); croup, pneumonia (6 each); poisoning/ingestion (5); asthma, bronchiolitis (4 each); febrile seizure, UTI (3 each); thrush, wheezing, breath holding, choking, conjunctivitis, inguinal hernia repair, pharyngitis (2 each); colic, colitis, congestive heart failure, elective procedure, hives, influenza, ingrown toenail, local swelling, roseola, sepsis (1 each).24,25 In the large-scale efficacy study, urticaria-like rash was reported in 0.4%-1.4% of children within 48 hours following immunization with Prevnar administered concurrently with other routine childhood vaccines. Urticaria-like rash was reported in 1.3%-6% of children in the period from 3 to 14 days following immunization, and was most often reported following the fourth dose when it was administered concurrently with MMR vaccine. Based on limited data, it appears that children with urticaria-like rash after a dose of Prevnar may be more likely to report urticaria-like rash following a subsequent dose of Prevnar.
One case of a hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode (HHE) was reported in the efficacy study following Prevnar and concurrent DTP vaccines in the study period from October 1995 through April 1998. Two additional cases of HHE were reported in four other studies and these also occurred in children who received Prevnar concurrently with DTP vaccine. 31,34 In the Kaiser efficacy study in which 17,066 children received a total of 55,352 doses of Prevnar and 17,080 children received a total of 55,387 doses of the control vaccine (investigational meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine [MnCC]), seizures were reported in 8 Prevnar recipients and 4 control vaccine recipients within 3 days of immunization from October 1995 through April 1998. Of the 8 Prevnar recipients, 7 received concomitant DTP-containing vaccines and one received DTaP. Of the 4 control vaccine recipients, 3 received concomitant DTP-containing vaccines and one received DTaP.24,25 In the other 4 studies combined, in which 1,102 children were immunized with 3,347 doses of Prevnar and 408 children were immunized with 1,310 doses of control vaccine (either investigational meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine [MnCC] or concurrent vaccines), there was one seizure event reported within 3 days of immunization.32 This subject received Prevnar concurrent with DTaP vaccine. Twelve deaths (5 SIDS and 7 with clear alternative cause) occurred among subjects receiving
Prevnar, of which 11 (4 SIDS and 7 with clear alternative cause) occurred in the Kaiser efficacy study from October 1995 until April 20, 1999. In comparison, 21 deaths (8 SIDS, 12 with clear alternative cause and one SIDS-like death in an older child), occurred in the control vaccine group during the same time period in the efficacy study.24,25,29 The number of SIDS deaths in the efficacy study from October 1995 until April 20, 1999 was similar to or lower than the age and season-adjusted expected rate from the California State data from 1995-1997 and are presented in Table 15.
Age and Season-Adjusted Comparison of SIDS Rates in the NCKP Efficacy Trial With the
Expected Rate from the California State Data for 1995-1997 24,25
Vaccine <OneWeek After Immunization ≤Two Weeks After Immunization ≤One Month After Immunization ≤One Year After Immunization
Exp Obs Exp Obs Exp Obs Exp Obs
Prevnar 1.06 1 2.09 2 4.28 2 8.08 4
Control* 1.06 2 2.09 3† 4.28 3† 8.08 8†
† Does not include one additional case of SIDS-like death in a child older than the usual SIDS age (448 days). In a review of all hospitalizations that occurred between October 1995 and August 1999 in the efficacy study for the specific diagnoses of aplastic anemia, autoimmune disease, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, diabetes mellitus, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, the numbers of such cases were equal to or less than the expected numbers based on the 1995 Kaiser Vaccine Safety Data Link (VSD) data set.
Overall, the safety of Prevnar was evaluated in a total of five clinical studies in the US in which 18,168 infants and children received a total of 58,699 doses of vaccine at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age. In addition, the safety of Prevnar was evaluated in 831 Finnish infants using the same schedule, and the overall safety profile was similar to that in US infants. The safety of Prevnar was also evaluated in 560 children from 4 ancillary studies in the US who started immunization at 7 months to 9 years of age. Tables 16 and 17 summarize systemic reactogenicity data within 2 or 3 days across 4,748 subjects in US studies (13,039 infant doses and 1,706 toddler doses) for whom these data were collected and according to the pertussis vaccine administered concurrently.
Overall Percentage of Doses Associated With Systemic Events Within 2 or 3 Days For The US Efficacy Study and All US Ancillary Studies When Prevnar Administered To Infants As a Primary Series at 2, 4, and 6 Months of Age24,25, 29,31,32,33
Systemic Event Prevnar
DTP-HbOC (9,191 Doses)* Prevnar
ConcurrentlyWith DTaP and HbOC (3,848 Doses)†
DTaP and HbOC Control (538 Doses)‡ Fever ≥38.0°C 35.6 21.1 14.2 >39.0°C 3.1 1.8 0.4
Irritability 69.1 52.5 45.2
Drowsiness 36.9 32.9 27.7
Restless Sleep 25.8 20.6 22.3
Decreased Appetite 24.7 18.1 13.6
Vomiting 16.2 13.4 9.8
Diarrhea 11.4 9.8 4.4
Urticaria-like Rash 0.9 0.6 0.3
* Total from which reaction data are available varies between reactions from 8,874-9,191 doses. Data from studies 118-3, 118-7, 118-8. † Total from which reaction data are available varies between reactions from 3,121-3,848 doses. Data from studies 118-8, 118-12, 118-16. ‡ Total from which reaction data are available varies between reactions from 295-538 doses. Data from studies 118-12 and 118-16.
Overall Percentage of Doses Associated With Systemic Events Within 2 or 3 Days For The US Efficacy Study and All US Ancillary Studies When Prevnar Administered To Toddlers as a Fourth Dose At 12 to 15 Months of Age 24,25,31 Systemic Event Prevnar
ConcurrentlyWith DTP-HbOC (709 Doses)* Prevnar
ConcurrentlyWith DTaP and HbOC (270 Doses) †
Prevnar Only No Concurrent Vaccines (727 Doses)‡ Fever ≥38.0°C 41.9 19.6 13.4
>39.0°C 4.5 1.5 1.2
Irritability 72.8 45.9 45.8
Drowsiness 21.3 17.5 15.9
Restless Sleep 29.9 21.2 21.2
Decreased Appetite 33.0 21.1 18.3
Vomiting 9.6 5.6 6.3
Diarrhea 12.1 13.7 12.8
Urticaria-like Rash 1.4 0.7 1.2
* Total from which reaction data are available varies between reactions from 706-709 doses. Data from study 118-8. † Total from which reaction data are available varies between reactions from 269-270 doses. Data from studies 118-7 and 118-8. ‡ Total from which reaction data are available varies between reactions from 725-727 doses. Data from studies 118-7 and 118-8. With vaccines in general, including Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197 Protein), Prevnar, it is not uncommon for patients to note within 48 to 72 hours at or around the injection site the following minor reactions: edema; pain or tenderness; redness, inflammation or skin discoloration; mass; or local hypersensitivity reaction. Such local reactions are usually self-limited and require no therapy. As with other aluminum-containing vaccines, a nodule may occasionally be palpable at the injection site for several weeks.42
Additional adverse reactions identified from postmarketing experience are listed below: Administration site conditions: injection site dermatitis, injection site urticaria, injection site pruritus Blood and lymphatic system disorders: lymphadenopathy localized to the region of the injection site
Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity reaction including face edema, dyspnea, bronchospasm; anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction including shock Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: angioneurotic edema, erythema multiforme There have been spontaneous reports of apnea in temporal association with the administration of Prevnar. In most cases Prevnar was administered concomitantly with other vaccines including diphtheria tetanus pertussis vaccine (DTP), diphtheria tetanus acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP), hepatitis B vaccines, inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib), measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR), and/or varicella vaccine. In addition, in most of the reports existing medical conditions such as history of apnea, infection, prematurity, and/or seizure were present.
Any suspected adverse events following immunization should be reported by the healthcare professional to the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program requires that the manufacturer and lot number of the vaccine administered be recorded by the healthcare professional in the vaccine recipient’s
permanent medical record (or in a permanent office log or file), along with the date of administration of the vaccine and the name, address, and title of the person administering the vaccine.
The US DHHS has established the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to accept all reports of suspected adverse events after the administration of any vaccine including, but not limited to, the reporting of events required by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. The FDA web site is: http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaers/vaers.htm.
The VAERS toll-free number for VAERS forms and information is 800-822-7967.43
There have been reports of overdose with Prevnar, including cases of administration of a higher than recommended dose and cases of subsequent doses administered closer than recommended to the previous dose. Most individuals were asymptomatic. In general, adverse events reported with overdose have also been reported with recommended single doses of Prevnar.
Since this product is a suspension containing an adjuvant, shake vigorously immediately prior to use to obtain a uniform suspension in the vaccine container. The vaccine should not be used if it cannot be resuspended. After shaking, the vaccine is a homogeneous, white suspension. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration (see DESCRIPTION). This product should not be used if particulate matter or discoloration is found.
For infants, the immunization series of Prevnar consists of three doses of 0.5 mL each, at approximately 2-month intervals, followed by a fourth dose of 0.5 mL at 12-15 months of age. The customary age for the first dose is 2 months of age, but it can be given as young as 6 weeks of age. The recommended dosing interval is 4 to 8 weeks. The fourth dose should be administered at least 2 months after the third dose.
For previously unvaccinated older infants and children, who are beyond the age of the routine infant schedule, the following schedule applies: 35
≥24 months through 9 years of age 1
* 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart; third dose after the one-year birthday, separated from the second dose by at least 2 months. † 2 doses at least 2 months apart.
(See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY section for the limited available immunogenicity data and ADVERSE EVENTS section for limited safety data corresponding to the previously noted vaccination schedule for older children). Safety and immunogenicity data are either limited or not available for children in specific high risk groups for invasive pneumococcal disease (eg, persons with sickle cell disease, asplenia, HIV-infected).
Vial, 1 Dose (5 per package) - NDC 0005-1970-67
CPT Code 90669
DO NOT FREEZE. STORE REFRIGERATED, AWAY FROM FREEZER COMPARTMENT,
AT 2C TO 8C (36F TO 46F).
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10 Shappert SM. Ambulatory care visits to physician offices, hospital outpatient departments, and emergency departments: United States, 1997. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Sat. 1999; 13(143):1-41.
11 Hall MJ, Lawrence L. Ambulatory surgery in the United States, 1996. Adv Data Vital HealthStat. 1998; 300:1-16.
12 Teele DW, Klein JO, Rosner B, et al. Epidemiology of otitis media during the first seven years of life in children in greater Boston: a prospective, cohort study. J Infect Dis. 1989; 160:83-94.
13 Shappert, SM. Office visits for otitis media: United States, 1975-1990. Adv Data Vital
Health Stat. 1992; 214:1-20.
14 Bluestone CD, Stephenson BS, Martin LM. Ten-year review of otitis media pathogens.
Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1992; 11:S7-S11.
15 Giebink GS. The microbiology of otitis media. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1989; 8:S18-S20.
16 Rodriguez WJ, Schwartz RH. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes otitis media with higher fever and more redness of tympanic membrane than Haemophilus influenzae or Moraxella catarrhalis. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1999; 18:942-4.
17 Barnett ED, Klein JO. The problem of resistant bacteria for the management of acute otitis media. Ped Clin North Am. 1995; 42:509-17.
18 Butler JC, Breiman RF, Lipman HB, et al. Serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections among preschool children in the United States, 1978-1994: implications for development of a conjugate vaccine. J Infect Dis. 1995; 171:885-9.
19 Paisley JW, Lauer BA, McIntosh K, et al. Pathogens associated with acute lower respiratory tract infection in young children. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1984; 3:14-9.
20 Heiskanen-Kosma T, Korppi M, Jokinen C, et al. Etiology of childhood pneumonia: serologic results of a prospective, population-based study. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1998; 17:986- 91.
21 American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. Therapy for children with invasive pneumococcal infections. Pediatrics. 1997; 99:289-300.
22 Hausdorff WP, Bryant J, Paradiso PR, Siber GR. Which pneumococcal serogroups cause the most invasive disease: implications for conjugate vaccine formulation and use, part I. Clin Infect Dis. 2000; 30:100-21.
23 Butler JC, Hoffman J, Cetron MS, et al. The continued emergence of drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in the United States. An Update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Pneumococcal Sentinel Surveillance System. J Infect Dis. 1996; 174:986-93.
24 Lederle Laboratories, Data on File: D118-P8.
25 Black S, Shinefield H, Ray P, et al. Efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in children. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2000; 19:187-195.
26 Lederle Laboratories, Data on File: D118-P809.
27 Eskola J, Kilpi T, Palma A, et al. Efficacy of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against acute otitis media. N Engl J Med. 2001; 344:403-409.
28 Fireman B, Black S, Shinefield H, et al. The impact of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
on otitis media. Pediatr Infect Dis J. In press.
29 Lederle Laboratories, Data on File: D118-P16.
30 Lederle Laboratories, Data on File: D118-P8 Addendum DTaP Immunogenicity.
31 Shinefield HR, Black S, Ray P. Safety and immunogenicity of heptavalent pneumococcal CRM197 conjugate vaccine in infants and toddlers. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1999; 18:757-63.
32 Lederle Laboratories, Data on File: D118-P12.
33 Rennels MD, Edwards KM, Keyserling HL, et al. Safety and immunogenicity of heptavalent pneumococcal vaccine conjugated to CRM197 in United States infants. Pediatrics. 1998; 101(4):604-11.
34 Lederle Laboratories, Data on File: D118-P3.
35 Lederle Laboratories, Data on File: Integrated Summary on Catch-Up.
36 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases 24th Edition. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics. 1997; 31-3.
37 Update: Vaccine Side Effects, Adverse Reactions, Contraindications, and Precautions.
MMWR. 1996; 45 (RR-12):1-35.
38 Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): use of vaccines and immunoglobulins in persons with altered immunocompetence. MMWR. 1993; 43(RR-4):1-18.
39 Vernacchio L, Neufeld EJ, MacDonald K, et al. Combined schedule of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine followed by 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine in children and young adults with sickle cell disease. J Pediatr. 1998; 103:275-8. 40 Immunization of children infected with human immunodeficiency virus – supplementary ACIP statement. MMWR. 1988; 37(12):181-83.
41 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. General recommendations on immunization. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). MMWR. 2002; 51(RR-2):1-36. 42 Fawcett HA, Smith NP. Injection-site granuloma due to aluminum. Archives Dermatology. 1984; 120:1318-22.
43 Vaccines Adverse Event Reporting System – United States. MMWR. 1990; 39:730-3. Manufactured by: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc. Philadelphia, PA 19101 US Govt. License No. 3
W10430C003 ET01 Rev 01/04
Mosby's GenRx®, 10th ed.
Copyright © 2000 Mosby, Inc.
Pneumococcal Vaccine (002055)
Indications: Immunization, pneumococcal bacteremia; Immunization, pneumococcal pneumonia
FDA Approval Pre 1982
FDA DRUG CLASS: Vaccines/Antisera
BRAND NAMES: Moniarix (Benin, Burkina-Faso, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory-Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra-Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe); Pneumo 23 (Hong-Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines); Pneumo 23 Imovax (Israel); Pneumovax (Japan); Pneumovax 23 (US); Pnu-Imune 23 (US); (International brand names outside U.S. in italics)
Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent, is a sterile, liquid vaccine for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. It consists of a mixture of highly purified capsular polysaccharides from the 23 most prevalent or invasive pneumococcal types accounting for at least 90% of pneumococcal blood isolates and at least 85% of all pneumococcal isolates from sites which are generally sterile as determined by ongoing surveillance of U.S. data.1 Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is manufactured according to methods developed by the Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories. Each 0.5 ml dose of vaccine contains 25 mcg of each polysaccharide type dissolved in isotonic saline solution containing 0.25% phenol as preservative.
Type 6B pneumococcal polysaccharide exhibits somewhat greater stability in purified form than does Type 6A.1 A high degree of cross-reactivity between the two types has been demonstrated in adult volunteers.2,3 Therefore, Type 6B has replaced Type 6A, which had been used in the 14-valent vaccine. Although contained in the 14-valent vaccine, Type 25 is not included in Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent because it has recently become a rare isolate in many parts of the world including the United States, Canada and Europe.2 (see TABLE 1.)
TABLE 1 Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent, Description 23 Pneumococcal Capsular Types Included in PNEUMOVAX 23
Danish 1 2 3 4 5 6B 7F 8 9N 9V 10A 11A 12F 14 15B
17F 18C 19F 19A 20 22F 23F 33F
U.S. 1 2 3 4 5 26 51 8 9 68 34 43 12 14 54 17
56 19 57 20 22 23 70
Pneumococcal infection is a leading cause of death throughout the world4 and a major cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media. The emergence of strains of pneumococci with increased resistance to one or more of the common antibiotics5 and recent isolations of pneumococci with multiple antibiotic resistance6 emphasize the importance of vaccine prophylaxis against pneumococcal disease. Based on projection from limited observations7 in the United States, it has been estimated that 400,000 to 500,000 cases of pneumococcal pneumonia may occur annually. The overall case fatality rate ranges from 5 - 10%.7 Populations at high risk are the elderly; individuals with immune deficiencies; patients with asplenia or splenic deficiencies, including sickle cell anemia and other severe hemoglobinopathies; alcoholics; and patients with the following diseases: Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma and nephrotic syndrome.8 About 25% of all persons with pneumococcal pneumonia develop bacteremia. Death occurs in about 28% of these bacteremic patients over 50 years of age.9 Of all patients with pneumococcal bacteremia who died despite treatment with penicillin or tetracycline, as many as 60% died within five days of onset of the illness.9
The annual incidence of pneumococcal meningitis is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 per 100,000 population. One-half of the cases occur in children, in whom the fatality rate is about 40%.7 Children with sickle cell disease have been estimated to have a risk of pneumococcal meningitis nearly 600 times greater than normal children.10 Other illnesses caused by pneumococci include acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, arthritis and conjunctivitis.
Invasive pneumococcal disease causes high morbidity and mortality in spite of effective antimicrobial control by a antibiotics.9 These effects of pneumococcal disease appear due to irreversible physiologic damage caused by the bacteria during the first 5 days following onset of illness,11,12 and occur irrespective of antimicrobial therapy.5,11 Vaccination offers an effective means of further reducing the mortality and morbidity of this disease.
At present, there are 83 known pneumococcal capsular types. However, the preponderance of pneumococcal diseases is caused by only some capsular types.5,9,13,14 For example, a 10-year (1952-1962) surveillance at a New York medical center,9 showed that 56% of all deaths due to pneumococcal pneumonia were caused by 6 capsular types and that approximately 78% of all pneumococcal pneumonias were caused by 12 capsular types. Such unequal distribution of pneumococcal capsular types causing disease has been shown throughout the world.5,13,14 It is on the basis of this information that the pneumococcal vaccine is composed of 23 capsular types, designed to provide coverage of approximately 90% of the most frequently reported types.
It has been established that the purified pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides induce antibody production and that such antibody is effective in preventing pneumococcal disease.2,12 Studies in humans have demonstrated the immunogenicity (antibody-stimulating capability) of each of the 23 capsular types when tested in polyvalent vaccines. Adults of all ages responded immunologically to the vaccines.2 Earlier studies with 12- and 14-valent pneumococcal vaccines in children two years of age and older and in adults showed immunogenic responses.15-18 Protective capsular type-specific antibody levels develop by the third week following vaccination.17
The protective efficacy of pneumococcal vaccines containing 6 and 12 capsular polysaccharides was investigated in controlled studies of gold miners in South Africa, in whom there is a high attack rate for pneumococcal pneumonia.1 Capsular type-specific attack rates for pneumococcal pneumonia were observed for the period from 2 weeks through about 1 year after vaccination. The rates for pneumonia caused by the same capsular types represented in the vaccines are given in the table (TABLE 2). Protective efficacy was 76% and 92%, respectively, in the two studies for the capsular ty pes represented.
TABLE 2 Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent, Clinical Pharmacology
Number of Capsular
Pneumococcal Rate/1000 for Pneumonia Caused by Protective
Vaccine Homologous Capsular Types Efficacy
Vaccinated Group Control Group
6 9.2 38.3 76%
12 1.8 22.0 92%
In similar studies carried out by Dr. R. Austrian and Associates13 using similar pneumococcal vaccines prepared for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the reduction in pneumonia caused by the capsular types contained in the vaccines was 79%. Reduction in type-specific pneumococcal bacteremia was 82%. A preliminary report19 suggests that in patients with sickle cell anemia and/or anatomical or functional asplenia, the vaccine was highly effective in persons over two years of age in preventing severe pneumococcal disease and bacteremia. The duration of protective effect of Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is presently unknown, but it has been shown in previous studies12,20 with other pneumococcal vaccines that antibody induced by the vaccine may persist for as long as 5 years. Type-specific antibody levels induced by Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent (14-valent) have been observed to decline over a 42-month period of observation, but remain significantly above prevaccination levels in almost all recipients who manifest an initial response.21
Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is indicated for immunization against pneumococcal disease caused by those pneumococcal types included in the vaccine. Effectiveness of the vaccine in the prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia and pneumococcal bacteremia has been demonstrated in controlled trials.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent will not immunize against capsular types of pneumococcus other than those contained in the vaccine.
Use in selected individuals over 2 years of age as follows: (1) patients who have anatomical asplenia or who have splenic dysfunction due to sickle cell disease or other causes; (2) persons with chronic illnesses in which there is an increased risk of pneumococcal disease, such as functional impairment of cardiorespiratory, hepatic and renal systems; (3) persons 50 years of age or older; (4) patients with other chronic illnesses who may be at greater risk of developing pneumococcal infection or experiencing more severe pneumococcal illness as a result of alcohol abuse or coexisting diseases including diabetes mellitus, chronic cerebrospinal fluid leakage, or conditions associated with immunosuppression;22 (5) patients with Hodgkin's disease if immunization can be given at least 10 days prior to treatment. For maximal antibody response immunization should be given at least 14 days prior to the start of treatment with radiation or chemotherapy. Immunization of patients less than 10 days prior to or during treatment is not recommended.23 (See CONTRAINDICATIONS.)
Use in communities. Persons over 2 years of age as follows: (1) closed groups such as those in residential schools, nursing homes and other institutions. (To decrease the likelihood of acute outbreaks of pneumococcal disease in closed institutional populations where there is increased risk that the disease may be severe, vaccination of the entire closed population should be considered where there are no other contraindications.22); (2) groups epidemiologically at risk in the community when there is a generalized outbreak in the population due to a single pneumococcal type included in the vaccine; (3) patients at high risk of influenza complications, particularly pneumonia.7
Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent may not be effective in preventing infection resulting from basilar skull fracture or from external communication with cerebrospinal fluid.
Simultaneous administration of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and whole-virus influenza vaccine give satisfactory antibody response with out increasing the occurrence of adverse reactions.24 Simultaneous administration of the pneumococcal vaccine and split-virus influenza
vaccine may also be expected to yield satisfactory results.25
Routine revaccination of adults previously vaccinated with PNEUMOVAX 23 is not recommended because an increased incidence and severity of adverse reactions have been reported among healthy adults revaccinated with pneumococcal vaccines at intervals under three years.2,15 This was probably due to sustained high antibody levels.26
Based on a clinical study, revaccination with PNEUMOVAX 23 is recommended for adults at highest risk of fatal pneumococcal infection who were initially vaccinated with PNEUMOVAX (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent, MSD) (14-valent) without serious or severe reaction four or more years previously.30,**
Children at highest risk for pneumococcal infection (e.g., children with asplenia, sickle cell disease or nephrotic syndrome) may have lower peak antibody levels and/or more rapid antibody decline than do healthy adults.27,31 There is evidence that some of these high-risk children, (e.g., asplenic children) benefit from revaccination with vaccine containing antigen types 7F, 8, 19F.33,34 The Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP) recommends that revaccination after three to five years should be considered for children at highest risk for pneumococcal infection (e.g., children with asplenia, sickle cell disease or nephrotic syndrome) who would be ten years old or younger at revaccination.35
**NOTE: The Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP) has stated that, without more information: persons who received the 14-valent pneumococcal vaccine should not be routinely revaccinated with the 23-valent vaccine, as increased coverage is modest and duration of protection is not well defined. However, revaccination with the 23-valent vaccine should be strongly considered for persons who received the 14-valent vaccine if they are at highest risk of fatal pneumococcal infection (e.g., asplenic patients). Revaccination should also be considered for adults at highest risk who received the 23-valent vaccine [Image] 6 years before and for those shown to have rapid decline in pneumococcal antibody levels (e.g., patients with nephrotic syndrome, renal failure, or transplant recipients).35
Revaccination of adults with Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is contraindicated except as described under INDICATIONS AND USAGE .
Patients with Hodgkin's disease immunized less than 7 to 10 days prior to immunosuppressive therapy have in some instances been found to have post-immunization antibody levels below their pre-immunization levels.23 Because of these results, immunization less than 10 days prior to or during treatment is contraindicated.
Patients with Hodgkin's disease who have received extensive chemotherapy and/or nodal irradiation have been shown to have an impaired antibody response to a 12-valent pneumococcal vaccine.28 Because, in some intensively treated patients, administration of that vaccine depressed pre-existing levels of antibody to some pneumococcal types, Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is not recommended at this time for patients who have received these forms of therapy for Hodgkin's disease.
Caution and appropriate care should be exercised in administering Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent to individuals with severely compromised cardiac and/or pulmonary function in whom a systemic reaction would pose a significant risk.
Any febrile respiratory illness or other active infection is reason for delaying use of Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent, except when, in the opinion of the physician, withholding the agent entails even greater risk.
In patients who require penicillin (or other antibiotic) prophylaxis against pneumococcal infection, such prophylaxis should not be discontinued after vaccination with Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent.
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent. It is also not known whether Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is administered to a nursing woman.
Children less than 2 years of age do not respond satisfactorily to the capsular types of Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent that are most often the cause of pneumococcal disease in this age group. Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 2 years have not been established. Accordingly, Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is not recommended in this age group.
Local reactions including local injection site soreness, erythema and swelling, usually of less than 48 hours duration, occurs commonly; local induration occurs less commonly. In a study of Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent (containing 22 capsular types) in 29 adults, 21 (71%) showed
local reaction characterized principally by local soreness and/or induration at the injection site within 2 days after vaccination.2 Rash, urticaria, arthritis, arthralgia, serum sickness, and adenitis have been reported rarely.
Low grade fever (less than 100.9°F) occurs occasionally and is usually confined to the 24-hour period following vaccination. Although rare, fever over 102°F has been reported. Malaise, myalgia, headache, and asthenia also have been reported.
Patients with otherwise stabilized idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura have, on rare occasions, experienced a relapse in their thrombocytopenia, occurring 2 to 14 days after vaccination, and lasting up to 2 weeks.29 Reactions of greater severity, duration, or extent are unusual. Neurological disorders such as paresthesias and acute radiculoneuropathy including Guillain-Barre syndrome have been rarely reported in temporal association with administration of pneumococcal vaccine. No cause and effect relationship has been established. Rarely, anaphylactoid reactions have been reported.
Do not inject intravenously. Intradermal administration should be avoided. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent is a clear, colorless solution.
Administer a single 0.5 ml dose of Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent subcutaneously or intramuscularly (preferably in the deltoid muscle or lateral mid-thigh), with appropriate precautions to avoid intravascular administration.
Single-Dose and 5-Dose Vials
For Syringe Use Only: Withdraw 0.5 ml from the vial using a sterile needle
and syringe free of preservatives, antiseptics and detergents.
Store unopened and opened vials at 2 - 8°C (36 - 46°F). The vaccine is used directly as supplied. No dilution or reconstitution is necessary. Phenol 0.25% added as preservative. All vaccine must be discarded after the expiration date.
1. Robbins, J.B.; Lee, C.J.; Schiffman, G.; Austrian, R.; Henrichsen, J.; Makela, P.H.; Broome, C.V.; Facklam, R.R.; Tiesjema, R.H.; Rastogi, S.C.: Considerations for formulating the second-generation pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide vaccine with emphasis on the cross-reactive types within groups, J. Infect. Dis. 148: 1136-1159, 1983.
2. Unpublished data; files of Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories.
3. Robbins, J.B.; Lee, C.J.; Rastogi, S.C.; Schiffman, G.; Henrichsen, J.:
Comparative immunogenicity of group 6 pneumococcal type 6A (6) and type 6B (26) capsular polysaccharides, Infect. Immun. 26: 1116-1122, 1979.
4. WHO: Vital statistics and causes of death, World Health Statistics Annual, 1, 1976.
5. Mufson, M.A.; Kruss, D.M.; Wasil, R.E.; Metzger, W.I.: Capsular types and outcome of bacteremic pneumococcal disease in the antibiotic era, Arch.
Intern. Med. 134: 505-510, 1974.
6. Multiple-antibiotic resistance of pneumococci--South Africa, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 26 (35): 285, September 2, 1977.
7. Recommendation of the Public Health Service Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices: Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report 27 (4): 25, January 27, 1978.
8. Mufson, M.A.: Pneumococcal infections, J. Am. Med. Assoc. 246 (17):1942-1948, 1981.
9. Austrian, R.; Gold, J.: Pneumococcal bacteremia with especial reference to bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia, Ann. Intern. Med.60: 759-776, 1964.
10. Barrett-Connor, E.: Bacterial infection and sickle cell anemia: an analysis of 250 infections in 166 patients and a review of the literature, Medicine 50: 97-112, 1971.
11. Austrian, R.: Random gleanings from a life with the pneumococcus, J.Infect. Dis. 131: 474-484, 1975.
12. Austrian, R.: Vaccines of pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides and the prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia in, "The role of immunological factors
in infectious, allergic and autoimmune processes", R.F. Beers, Jr. and E.G. Bassett (eds.), New York, Raven Press: 79-89. 1976.
13. Austrian, R.; Douglas, R.M.; Schiffman, G.; Coetzee, A.M.; Koornhof, H.J.; Hayden-Smith, S.; Reid, R.D.W.: Prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia
by vaccination, Trans. Assoc. Am. Physicians 89: 184-194, 1976.
14. Lund, E.: Distribution of pneumococcus types at different times in different areas, in "Bayer symposium III. bacterial infections: changes in their causative agents, trends, and possible basis," M.Finland, W. Marget
and K. Bartmann (eds.), Berlin, Springer-Verlag, 1971, 49-56.
15. Borgono, J.M.; McLean, A.A.; Vella, P.P.; Woodhour, A.F.; Canepa, I.;Davidson, W.L.; Hilleman, M.R.: Vaccination and revaccination with polyvalent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines in adults and infants (40010), Proc. Soc. Exper. Biol. & Med. 157: 148-154, 1978.
16. Hilleman, M.R.; McLean, A.A.; Vella, P.P.; Weibel, R.E.; Woodhour,A.F.: Polyvalent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines, Bull. World Health
Organ. 56: 371-375, 1978.
17. Smit, P.; Oberholzer, D.; Hayden-Smith, S.; Koornof, H.J.; Hilleman, M.R.: Protective efficacy of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines, J.A.M.A.
238: 2613-2616, 1977.
18. Weibel, R.E.; Vella, P.P.; McLean, A.A.; Woodhour, A.F.; Hilleman,M.R.: Studies in human subjects of polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines(39894), Proc. Soc. Exper. Biol. & Med. 156: 144-150, 1977.
19. Ammann, A.J.; Addiego, J.; Wara, D.W.; Lubin, B.; Smith, W.B.; and Mentzer, W.C.: Polyvalent pneumococcal-polysaccharide immunization of patients with sickle-cell anemia and patients with splenectomy, New Engl.
J. Med. 297: 897-900, 1977.
20. Heidelberger, M.; DiLapi, M.M.; Siegel, M.; Walter, A.W.: Persistence of antibodies in human subjects injected with pneumococcal polysaccharides, J. Immunol. 65: 535-541, 1950.
21. Vella, P.P., McLean, A.A.; Woodhour, A.F.; Weibel, R.E.; Hilleman, M.R.: Persistence of pneumococcal antibodies in human subjects followingvaccination, Proc. Soc. Exper. Biol. & Med. 164: 435-538, 1980.
22. Recommendation of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee, Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
30 (33): 410-412, 417-419, August 28, 1981.
23. Siber, G.R.; Weitzman, S.A.; Aisenberg, A.C.: Antibody response of patients with Hodgkin's disease to protein and polysaccharide antigens, Rev. Inf. Dis. 3 (suppl.): S144-S159, 1981.
24. Carlson, A.J.; Davidson, W.L.; McLean, A.A.; Vella, P.P.; Weibel, R.E.; Woodhour, A.F.; Hilleman, M.R.: Pneumococcal vaccine dose, revaccination, and coadministration with influenza vaccine (40596), Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. & Med. 161: 558-563, 1979.
25. Recommendation of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee --
General recommendations on immunization, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 32 (1): 7, January 14, 1983.
26. Hilleman, M.R.; Carlson, A.J., Jr.; McLean, A.A.; Vella, P.P.; Weibel, R.E.; Woodhour, A.F.: Streptococcus pneumoniae polysaccharide vaccine: age and dose responses, safety, persistence of antibody, revaccination, and simultaneous administration of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines, Rev. Inf. Dis. 3 (Suppl.): S31-S42, 1981.
27. Kaplan, J.; Frost, H.; Sarnaik, S.; Schiffman, G.: Type-specific antibodies in children with sickle cell anemia given polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine, J. Pediatr. 100: 404-406, 1982.
28. Siber, G.R.; et al: Impaired antibody response after treatment for Hodgkin's Disease, N. Engl. J. Med. 299: 442-448, 1978.
29. Kelton, J.G.: Vaccination-associated relapse of immune thrombocytopenia, J. Am. Med. Assoc. 245 (4): 369-371, 1981.
30. Unpublished data; files of Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories.
31. Giebink, G.S.; Le, C.T.; Schiffman, G.: Decline of serum antibody in splenectomized children after vaccination with pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides, J. Pediatrics 105: 576-582, Oct. 1984.
32. Giebink, G.S.: Preventing pneumococcal disease in children: recommendations for using pneumococcal vaccine, Ped. Inf. Dis. 4: 343-348, July 1985.
33. Rigau-Peraz, J.G.; Overturf, G.D.; Chan, L.S.; et al.: Reactions to booster pneumococcal revaccination in patients with sickle cell disease,Ped. Inf. Dis. 2: 199-202, 1983.
34. Weintraub, P.S.; Schiffman, G.; Addiego, J.E.; et al.: Long-termfollow-up and booster immunization with polyvalent pneumococcalpolysaccharide in patients with sickle cell anemia, Journal of Ped.105:261-263, 1984.
35. Recommendation of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee --Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report38 (5): 64-68, 73-76, February 10, 1989.