Since the introduction of Prevenar in 2006, there has been a fall in the number of cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children aged 5 and under.

In the first 30 months following its introduction, Prevenar prevented an estimated 959 cases of serious illness and saved 53 lives.

Prevenar has been replaced in the UK by Prevenar 13® (Pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (13-valent, adsorbed)) and is no longer marketed in the UK.

Introduction of Prevenar 13

Pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (13-valent, adsorbed).

Children throughout the UK are among the first worldwide to benefit from the additional protection afforded by the broadest coverage pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Impact of Prevenar on IPD

Number of cases of IPD in under 5s caused by strains in the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines Prevenar and Prevenar 13 (Prevenar was introduced to under 2’s in September 2006).

Prevenar 13 was introduced into the national childhood immunisation schedule in April 2010 to cover the six additional strains that were causing an increase in incidents of IPD.

Prevenar 13 offers the broadest coverage:

• An additional 6 serotypes (1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F, 19A) over Prevenar
• Providing 74% potential coverage*
• Prevenar 13 has a comparable safety profile to Prevenar

Broad indications against pneumococcal disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae

• Invasive disease (meningitis and septicaemia)
• Pneumonia
• Acute otitis media

*Estimated percentage of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by serotypes included in Prevenar and Prevenar 13, introduced in April 2010 in children across England and Wales

Summary of Product Characteristics can be found on electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) click here to view.

Patient information Leaflet can be found on electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) click here  to view and download.