Medifast 13-valent Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (1 Dose)

Medifast 13-valent Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (1 Dose)

• The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) recommends children under 2 years of age to receive pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP). The standard regimen includes a primary series of 2 doses at 2 and 4 months and a booster dose at 12 months.
• SCVPD recommends high-risk individuals* aged 2 or above to receive a single dose of PCV13, followed by a single dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (23vPPV) 1 year later.
  • For those who have already received 23vPPV, a single dose of PCV13 should be administered 1 year after previous 23vPPV vaccination.
  • For those who have already received PCV13, a single dose of 23vPPV should be administered 1 year after previous PCV13.
  • For elderly 65 years of age and older without high risk conditions*, SCVPD recommends either a single dose of PCV13 or a single dose of 23vPPV.

* High-risk conditions include:

1. History of invasive pneumococcal disease

2. Immunocompromised states:

• Asplenia, HIV /AIDS, primary immunodeficiency
• Immunodeficiencies related to malignancies and transplantation
• Immunodeficiencies related to use of immunosuppressive drugs / systemic steroid

3. Chronic disease

• Chronic cardiac, pulmonary, liver or renal disease
• Diabetes mellitus or CSF leakage

4. With cochlear implants
(Essential hypertension per se is not considered as a high risk condition)

* If it is considered as inapproriate to get vaccinated, HKD300 will be charged for Dr Consultation. The remaining amount shall be returned. health.ESDlife and Medifast have sole discretion to make the final decision.

Q: What is the difference between 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (23vPPV) and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13)?
A: PCV13 is effective against both invasive pneumococcal disease and non-invasive pneumococcal pneumonia. On the other hand, while clinical studies indicated that 23vPPV is generally effective in preventing IPD, its efficacy against non-invasive pneumococcal pneumonia is suboptimal. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that 23vPPV contains more serotypes and theoretically offers extra protection.

Q: What are the adverse events associated with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13)?
A: 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13) have been demonstrated to be safe. Common adverse reactions include slight swelling and tenderness at the injection site shortly following injection but most resolve within two days. Some may experience mild fever, fatigue, headache, chills, or muscle pain. Severe pain or difficulty in moving the arm where the shot was given was very rare.

Q: Who are not suitable to receive pneumococcal vaccines?
A: Severe allergic reaction following a prior dose of pneumococcal vaccine or to the vaccine component or any diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine is a contraindication to further doses of vaccine.

Q: Can pneumococcal vaccines be received together with seasonal influenza vaccine?
A: Yes. Both 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (23vPPV) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) can be given together with other vaccines, including influenza vaccine, but they should be administered with a different syringe and at a different injection site.