Uploaded and Shared in Youtube by: USFoodandDrugAdmin FDA has approved a new pneumococcal vaccine that provides broader protection for infants and young children ages six weeks through five years. The new vaccine, called Prevnar 13, is effective against 13 serotypes of the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It will replace Prevnar, which was effective against seven serotypes. Prevnar 13 is approved to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease, including bacterial meningitis and bacteremia, caused by the 13 serotypes in the vaccine. It is also approved to help prevent otitis media caused by the seven serotypes that are in the original Prevnar. A multi-center study showed that Prevnar 13 induces antibodies comparable to those that are protective in Prevnar. Adverse reactions are also comparable. The most common include pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, irritability, decreased appetite and fever. Prevnar 13, is available in single-dose, pre-filled syringes, and is commonly given in a four-dose schedule at 2, 4, 6 and 12 to 15 months of age. FDA Patient Safety News: May 2010 For more information, please see our website: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/psn/transcript.cfm?show=98#1