Prevenar 13® for 50 years and over

Medsafe extended the license for Prevenar 13® to include adults from 50 years of age and over on 31 May 2012, in keeping with the extended use in the US and Canada. Prevenar 13® is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to protect against 13 strains of the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. Advantages of using this vaccine for adults at high risk of pneumococcal disease, e.g. those who are pre- or post-splenectomy, have had a bone marrow transplant or who have chronic respiratory disease, eight weeks before administering the Pneumovax® 23 polysaccharide vaccine is the vaccine's ability to develop immune system memory against the 13 strains that can be boosted by future pneumococcal immunisation and the development a better quality and longer lasting circulating protection.

Prevenar 13® is licensed for infants and children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age and adults 50 years and over but can be used in the 5-49 year age group out of licensure. No safety concerns are expected with use of the vaccine in this age group.

Only children less than 5 years of age with specified medical conditions and children and adolescents up to 16 years of age who have functional asplenia or are pre- or post-splenectomy are eligible to receive this vaccine for free. Other people requesting the vaccine for themselves or their children need to purchase their vaccine through their general practice.

If you are interested in receiving the Prevenar 13® vaccine please talk to your Doctor or Practice Nurse or phone 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) and talk to one of our Immunisation Advisors.