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Synflorix is a pneumococcal vaccine. It comes in the form of a white cloudy suspension for injection. Actively immunizes the child’s body against invasive diseases, acute otitis media and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in children from 6 weeks to 2 years of age.
Synflorix – composition
The vaccine contains pneumococcal polysaccharides of various serotypes.
Synflorix – dosage and vaccination schedule
The vaccine is intended for intramuscular injection. For infants, it is best to apply it in the anterolateral part of the thigh, and in young children – into the deltoid muscle. It is recommended that a child who receives Synflorix for the first dose undergoes a complete course of vaccinations with the same preparation. The vaccination schedule should be in accordance with local recommendations.
The three-dose primary vaccination schedule uses 4 doses of 0,5 ml. The first of the three basic doses is usually given at 2 months of age (and the earliest – after the child is 6 weeks old), and the next doses are given monthly. A fourth booster dose is recommended 6 months after the last primary vaccination course and from 9 months of age. This vaccination system ensures optimal protection of your baby’s health.
If the vaccine is given as part of a compulsory immunization program for infants, a two-dose immunization schedule may be used. It is based on two doses of 0,5 ml, administered at 6 weeks of age (first dose) and two months later (second dose). The recommended third, booster dose is given at least six months after the last primary immunization, when the child reaches 9 months of age (preferably between 12 and 15 months of age).
For premature babies born after 27 weeks of gestation, a four-dose 0,5 ml vaccination schedule is recommended. Primary vaccination consists of 3 doses. The first is given at the age of 2 months, the next are applied at least one month apart. A fourth, supplemental dose is recommended, given at least six months after the last one.
Children from 7 months to 5 years of age can also be vaccinated. The safety of the vaccine in children over 5 years of age has not been established.
As with any vaccine, in the event of an anaphylactic reaction, your child should be given immediate treatment and appropriate medical attention.
Synflorix should be stored at 2-8 ° C. Under no circumstances should it be frozen or its temperature raised. Proper storage conditions should also be ensured on the way to the vaccination point.
What should I tell my doctor about before immunization?
The child’s hypersensitivity to the active substances and auxiliary substances of the vaccine should be taken into account. As with other intramuscular vaccines, Synflorix should be used with caution in patients with bleeding disorders (including thrombocytopenia), as bleeding may occur following an intramuscular injection of the vaccine.
Synflorix – side effects
Very common (more than 1 in 10 applications of the vaccine) children experienced: redness and swelling at the injection site, body temperature of 38 ° C or higher, irritability, sleepiness, loss of appetite. Often (less often than 1 in 10 doses) the presence of induration at the site of application was found. Uncommonly (less than 1 in 100 doses), a small lump, bleeding or a blood clot at the injection site, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, apnea (transient respiratory arrest) have occurred in premature babies less than 29 weeks gestation, unusual crying. Rarely (with a frequency of less than 1 in 1000 applications of the vaccine), rash, hives, allergic reactions (e.g. skin rash, allergy) and convulsions (with or without fever) have been reported.
Synflorix – the price of the vaccine
One dose of 0,5 ml vaccine costs from 169 to 219 PLN, depending on the pharmacy price list. In clinics, the vaccine may be priced higher.
Synflorix discontinued?
From October 2017 to January 2018, vaccines were administered to children in a number of medical facilities for disposal due to their storage at too high a temperature. This could pose a serious threat to the life and health of patients. The pharmaceutical inspection then issued a decision to dispose of certain vaccines (designated according to their expiry dates). Synflorix itself has not been withdrawn from circulation.