Prevnar 13

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Prevnar 13 (Pneumococcal-vaccine-conjugated).

Bleeding problems: There is a risk of increased bleeding or bruising when any intramuscular injection is given to a person who has a bleeding disorder or is taking medications to thin the blood. The safety and effectiveness of this vaccine have not been established for people with thrombocytopenia (low platelets) or bleeding disorders. If you have these conditions, discuss the risks and benefits of this vaccine with your doctor.

Fever: A doctor may decide to delay this vaccine if the person receiving the vaccine has an acute infection or fever. Mild infections without fever, such as colds, usually do not require delay of the vaccine.

Medical conditions: Parents of children who were born prematurely or have problems with blood clotting or bleeding, a weakened immune system (due to conditions such as HIV, cancer, spleen problems, or medications that suppress the immune system such as those used for cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or organ transplants) should discuss with their doctor how this vaccine may affect their child's medical condition, how their child's medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this vaccine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Vaccine protection: As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not protect 100% of people who receive it.

Pregnancy: Studies of the effects of this vaccine during pregnancy have not been done. This vaccine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Prevnar 13 (Pneumococcal-vaccine-conjugated), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if this vaccine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this vaccine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: This vaccine is not recommended for infants under 6 weeks old.