Prevnar Vaccine
Injury Lawyer
Prevnar vaccines, also referred to as pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV),
are given to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease.
The Prevnar vaccine may lead to adverse reactions including injection site discomfort, mild to severe allergic reaction, severe shoulder pain or loss of arm movement (SIRVA), fainting after injection (Syncope), Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), and Transverse Myelitis (TM).
What is the Prevnar Vaccine?
This invasive disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which can lead to serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia. The Prevnar vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against specific strains of the pneumococcal bacteria. The antibodies protect and shield against these potentially life-threatening infections.
Prevnar targets the most common and harmful strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, known as serotypes. Active immunization helps protect individuals against these serotypes. Therefore, the vaccine reduces the risk of developing invasive pneumococcal disease.
Hear Cheryl's Vaccine Injury Story
Cheryl suffered SIRVA (shoulder injury related to vaccine administration) following a flu shot. Her vaccine injury claim was filed in the VICP by vaccine lawyer Max Muller where she obtained a large cash settlement for her pain and suffering, lost wages and out of pocket medical expenses.
What are the different names of the Prevnar vaccine?
The Prevnar vaccine is known by different names depending on the specific formulation and the region where it is marketed. Some alternative names for the Prevnar vaccine include:
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
- Prevnar 13 (PCV13): Original Prevnar vaccine containing 13 pneumococcal serotypes.
- Prevnar 20 (PCV20): Updated version containing 20 pneumococcal serotypes.
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV): Another type of vaccine for pneumococcal disease, different from Prevnar, but targeting similar bacteria.
- Synflorix: A pneumococcal conjugate vaccine similar to Prevnar, marketed by a different pharmaceutical company.
- Prevnar: Brand name used for Prevnar in some countries outside the United States.
Is the Prevnar vaccine necessary?
The Prevnar vaccine is considered necessary for protecting against invasive pneumococcal disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It helps prevent serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, and adults with certain medical conditions.
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When should I get a Prevnar vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine administration of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20) for all children younger than 5 years of age.
Infants should receive PCV15 or PCV20 as a series of 4 doses, with one dose at each of the following ages:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 12 through 15 months
Children younger than 5 years of age who missed their shots or start the series later should still get vaccinated. The number of doses recommended and the intervals between doses will depend on the child’s age when vaccination begins.
For older individuals, particularly those with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems, the CDC may recommend additional doses of pneumococcal vaccine. It's important for older adults to consult with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule based on their age, health status, and any other relevant factors.
Do I need the Prevnar vaccine to be around a baby?
It is recommended to receive the Prevnar vaccine if you will be around a baby, especially infants and young children. Babies are particularly vulnerable to serious infections caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. By getting vaccinated, you reduce the risk of transmitting the bacteria to the baby and protect yourself and the infant from pneumococcal disease.
What is in the Prevnar vaccine?
The Prevnar vaccine is a sterile suspension of saccharides from specific strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, formulated to stimulate the immune system's response. PCV20 (Prevnar20®) contains saccharides from 20 serotypes of S. pneumoniae (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F) individually linked to a nontoxic variant of diphtheria toxin known as CRM197.
Is it safe to get the Prevnar vaccine?
Generally yes, the Prevnar vaccine is considered safe and is routinely administered to infants, children, and adults worldwide. Extensive clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance have demonstrated the vaccine's safety profile. Like all vaccines, Prevnar may cause mild side effects such as injection site discomfort, mild allergic reactions, and temporary fussiness or fever.
Although serious adverse reactions are rare, they should not be discounted. Through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), we are learning more about vaccine safety and potential risks.
Does health insurance cover the Prevnar vaccine?
Most health insurance plans will cover the cost of a Prevnar vaccine. However, checking with your insurance provider is best to guarantee you are covered.
How long is the Prevnar vaccine valid?
Depending on which shots you received and when you got them, it may be a good idea to receive a booster after 5 years. Your doctor can help you determine if you need additional vaccines.
Prevnar Vaccine Injuries
Serious injuries that can occur after a pneumococcal vaccine like Prevnar include:
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
- Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP)
- Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
If you or a loved one has been injured, you may be entitled to compensation from a federal trust fund called the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
Injury risks from the Prevnar Vaccine
Although healthcare professionals try to follow vaccine safety protocols during administration, serious reactions can occur following the Prevnar vaccine. The Prevnar vaccination may lead to various adverse events. The following is a list of covered injuries under the Vaccine Injury Table associated with the Prevnar vaccine:
- Severe shoulder pain or loss of arm movement (SIRVA)
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP)
- Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
What are the side effects of the Prevnar Vaccine
According to the CDC common side effects reported with the Prevnar vaccine, also known as PCV13, align with typical vaccine reactions. These include:
- Pain, Redness, and Injection Site Swelling
- Limited Movement of the Injected Arm
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Chills
- Decreased Appetite
- Generalized Muscle Pain and Joint Pain
What is in the Prevnar Vaccine?
The Prevnar vaccine, also known as pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), is formulated to stimulate the immune system's response against Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The vaccine contains a sterile suspension of saccharides from specific strains of the bacteria, individually linked to a nontoxic variant of diphtheria toxin known as CRM197.
PCV20 (Prevnar20®) includes saccharides from 20 serotypes of S. pneumoniae (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F), enhancing its efficacy in providing protection against invasive pneumococcal disease. The components are selected and formulated to guarantee the vaccine's safety and effectiveness in preventing serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
Prevnar Vaccine Injuries and Legal Considerations
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How to report Prevnar vaccine injury
If you suspect a Prevnar vaccine injury, prompt action is important. Notify your healthcare provider immediately, providing details such as the date of vaccination, the administrator’s information, and the injection site (e.g., left or right arm). Your medical provider will initiate appropriate treatment to address your symptoms effectively. Additionally, consider the following steps:
- Call Your Doctor: Some Prevnar vaccine injuries can pose serious risks if left untreated. Inform your doctor about what occurred, including the date, time, and location of the vaccine administration.
- Report to VAERS: Request your doctor to file a report with the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). This program, managed by the CDC, collects data on vaccine injuries and adverse events to enhance vaccine safety measures in the future. Any individual, including those affected by vaccine injuries, can submit a report to VAERS.
- Seek Legal Assistance: Consider consulting with a vaccine injury attorney to understand your rights and explore potential avenues for financial compensation. A qualified attorney can guide you through the legal process and advocate on your behalf.
It's important to note that VAERS does not diagnose vaccine injuries but serves to collect and analyze data on reported adverse reactions. By reporting vaccine injuries, you contribute to ongoing efforts to improve vaccine safety and protect public health.
A Prevnar vaccine injury can be complicated so do not hesitate to reach out to us!
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What can you expect from our team of Prevnar vaccine injury attorneys?
Our firm specializes in assisting vaccine injury clients with their claims. We understand the difficulties of filing vaccine injury cases and provide support throughout the process.
If you believe you've experienced a vaccine injury, our team will treat you with the respect you deserve. We are committed to helping direct you through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program and receiving the compensation you need.
Our experienced vaccine injury lawyers are well-versed in the medical, legal, and factual aspects of these cases. We're prepared to address any disputes that may arise during the vaccine injury claim process, guaranteeing your rights are protected every step of the way.
Some of the benefits of working with our team include the following:
Free Case Evaluation: We will review your case and let you know if you are eligible for compensation
No Costs: You do not pay attorneys fees or costs to file a case in the vaccine program
Experienced & Skilled Representation: Our team has years of experience fighting for the rights of injured patients
If you or a loved one has been affected by a vaccine injury, don't wait to get help. We strongly recommend that injured parties hire a vaccine injury lawyer and do not attempt to represent themselves in the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to fight for you.