Week 5: Immunization Paper Assignment 50 pts. 2-4 pages
Pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate (PCV13)
Pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate (PCV13) is a vaccine used for the prevention of
pneumonia caused by 13 different strands of pneumococcus (IBM Micromedex, 2020b). PCV13
has the trade name of Prevnar-13, and it is considered to be a conjugate vaccine. Meaning that
they are made up of two different components or fragments of the bacteria (USDHHS, 2020). It
is contraindicated with those who have previously had an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis to
Prevnar (IBM Micromedex, 2020b). In addition, if someone has had an adverse reaction to or
any diphtheria-toxoid–containing vaccine), including yeast (CDC, 2019). The administration
should be deferred in patients who already have pneumonia, unless it is determined by the
provider that the benefits outweigh the risks (IBM Micromedex, 2020b).
Common side effects include, erythema at the injection site, fatigue, joint pain, and
decreased sleep (IBM Micromedex, 2020b). Serious adverse effects can include, potential for
seizures, gastroenteritis, or pneumonia development (IBM Micromedex, 2020b). The minimum
age that a patient can start to receive this vaccine is 2 months of age (CDC, 2019). The
guidelines recommend that children receive a series of 4 doses, at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months
and 12-15 months (CDC, 2019). Special situations when patients are to receive Prevnar-13 are;
adults of 19-64 years of age, who are immunocompromised, a one-time dose is recommended.