Prevnar 13 is a pneumococcal vaccine developed by Pfizer, one of the world’s leading healthcare companies. It is used to prevent a range of pneumococcal diseases, including pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. But who makes Prevnar 13? The answer is more complicated than you might think. In this article, we will explore the process of making and distributing Prevnar 13, from the scientists who develop the vaccine to the pharmacists who dispense it. We will also look at the role of the FDA in ensuring the vaccine is safe and effective. By the end, you will have a better understanding of who makes Prevnar 13 and how this life-saving vaccine reaches millions of people around the world.
Pfizer Inc. manufactures Prevnar 13, a pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine. The vaccine is a sterile suspension of saccharides of the capsular antigens of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F. It is used to protect against invasive diseases caused by the 13 serotypes.
Who Makes Prevnar 13?
Prevnar 13 is a vaccine given to help protect from 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious infections. The vaccine is made by Pfizer, a major pharmaceutical company based in the United States.
How is Prevnar 13 Made?
Prevnar 13 is made using a process called conjugation. In this process, the antigens of the pneumococcal bacteria are attached to a harmless carrier protein to form a conjugate. This conjugate stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that protect against the bacteria. The process is a complex one that takes months to complete.
What is in Prevnar 13?
Prevnar 13 contains the following antigens from the 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria:
- 6C capsular polysaccharide
- 4Y capsular polysaccharide
- 19F capsular polysaccharide
- 23F capsular polysaccharide
- 1, 5, 7F capsular polysaccharide
- 3, 6A, 19A capsular polysaccharide
- Protein D
Prevnar 13 also contains the following inactive ingredients: aluminum phosphate, polysorbate 80, and a sterile saline solution.
Who Should Get the Prevnar 13 Vaccine?
Prevnar 13 is recommended for children aged 6 weeks to 17 years, adults aged 50 and older, and people with certain chronic medical conditions. It is usually given as a series of shots over a period of time.
Few Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Prevnar 13?
Answer: Prevnar 13 is a vaccination used to prevent certain types of pneumococcal diseases, such as pneumonia, which is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is given to children 6 weeks of age and older, and to adults over the age of 50. It is not a treatment for those who are already sick, but a preventative measure to help reduce the risk of catching certain pneumococcal diseases.
Q2: Who makes Prevnar 13?
Answer: Prevnar 13 is manufactured by Pfizer, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, founded in 1849. It is headquartered in New York City and is dedicated to developing innovative medicines to improve people’s lives.
Q3: What kind of protection does Prevnar 13 provide?
Answer: Prevnar 13 is designed to protect against 13 types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It also helps to protect against other related bacterial infections, such as meningitis, sepsis, and bacteremia. It has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of these diseases, particularly in young children.
Q4: How is Prevnar 13 administered?
Answer: Prevnar 13 is typically administered as an intramuscular injection. It is recommended that infants and children receive four doses of the vaccine, with the first dose given at 6 weeks of age, and subsequent doses given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Adults over the age of 50 may receive one or two doses of the vaccine, depending on the patient’s age and previous vaccination history.
Q5: Are there any side effects associated with Prevnar 13?
Answer: Like all vaccines, there is a risk of side effects associated with Prevnar 13. The most common side effects include redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site, as well as fever, irritability, and fatigue. More serious side effects are rare, but may include an allergic reaction, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and encephalopathy.
Q6: How can I find out more information about Prevnar 13?
Answer: The best source of information about Prevnar 13 is your healthcare provider. They can provide detailed information about the vaccine, including the risks, benefits, and schedule for administration. Additionally, Pfizer’s website provides detailed information about Prevnar 13, including safety information, clinical trial data, and other resources.
In conclusion, Prevnar 13 is an important vaccine that helps to protect children from serious diseases like pneumonia, meningitis and others. The vaccine is produced by Pfizer, a reputable pharmaceutical company with a long history of producing safe, effective and reliable vaccines. Pfizer produces Prevnar 13 for both the public and private sectors and is dedicated to providing the highest quality products to ensure the safety of children worldwide.