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Prevnar 13 for Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis User Reviews

Prevnar 13 has an average rating of 3.1 out of 10 from a total of 51 reviews for the treatment of Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis. 12% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 73% reported a negative experience.

Prevnar 13 rating summary

3.1/10 average rating

51 ratings from 56 user reviews.

Compare all 8 medications used in the treatment of Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis.

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14%
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49%

Reviews for Prevnar 13

  • Bobo
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 31, 2020

"I'm a 68 year old male received the Prevnar 13 vaccine three weeks ago. My misery started 3 days after injection with painful joints. I continue to suffer with worsening joint pain. I was very active before the vaccine and am now confined to my bed as I am unable to walk by myself. I have had pneumonia a few times and those episodes were nothing compared to the effects I am suffering with now. I strongly advise anyone who is considering this or if their Dr. is suggesting the vaccine to consider all the suffering people have and are experiencing after this medication. Personally this misery I am going through is not worth the supposed protection this medication"may" provide. Probably will not have to worry about pneumonia hence forward as I can no longer walk by myself therefore cannot leave my home. Everyone should be warned about the side effects prevnar 13 can and has caused."

1 / 10
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70 Report
  • Anne
  • September 19, 2020

"Doctor recommended this Prevnar 13 because of my "age group" (I'm 66 yr. old white female). It has now been 8 months and my arm is still painful, so that I can't lie down on that side. One month after receiving the injection, my right eye had a subconjunctival hemorrhage: all the blood vessels in the white of the eye burst, so that my eye was filled with blood. It took 3 weeks for my body to reabsorb the blood. I also found large bruises on my arms and legs. I am not someone who bruises easily. I looked up the side effects to this drug and it said, among many other things, "easy bruising, easy bleeding." All this time I've also been experiencing sudden rapid heartbeat, sometimes it pounds so hard I can't sleep, and when I had my blood pressure taken, it was higher than normal. Usually it's a healthy low/normal reading. I experience lightheadedness, dizziness, and mental fog, as well as moments of intense anxiety. All these negative symptoms due to the shot, since I was healthy before."

1 / 10
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44 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 15, 2019

"I was given the Prevnar 13 shot and by that evening my arm was swollen down to my inner elbow and all the way around, it was hard as a rock and hot and achy. I also had a fever and whole body was achy my husband had to walk with me as I could barely move, whole body ached. The next day I called and asked if they needed to report the side effects to the health dept. They said no that was all common things from the vaccinations. I was told possibly a sore arm that was all. This lasted for 4 days but 2 months later I still have painful ache in my arm from time to time. I am 66 years old and would worry about an unhealthy older person living alone getting this"

1 / 10
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47 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Bob
  • August 14, 2020

"Hi all, I had this drug Prevnar 13 five years ago (followed by Pnuemovax23). Am a 50 year old male low white blood cells, with low immunity. Anyway, had the shot round 4pm on a Thursday and the actual injection was completely painless. Had an initial warming of the body within ten minutes as I responded to the various foreign bodies! Headache then started as expected (over 80% of people get them). Didn’t sleep that well that evening which is very odd for me. Felt about 75% right the next day, and wasn’t too bad to start with, but by lunch time the headache was back and I felt like I wanted to lie down. Had two naps during the day (even though I’m very fit and wouldn’t normally). By Friday evening my left arm was sore and a bit swollen and as described by others my movement was limited etc. Anyway, let’s see - I’ll post another update once the symptoms subside."

4 / 10
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41 Report
  • Liz
  • February 22, 2020

"On Jan. 31, 2020, I went to my PCP and asked for the pneumonia vaccine, because I’m 66. The injection site was a little sore. Thirty minutes after the shot, I got a blinding migraine headache that lasted for the weekend. The third day, I still had a headache, but felt well enough to go to work. The next day, I was very run down. During the night, I got a fever and chills and cough; called my PCP in the morning. Was sent to urgent care. No labs were taken. They provided a prescription for a z-pack and was sent home. My temperature spiked to 103.4; stayed over 102 for several days. Coughing up pus for over 3 weeks now. Saw my PCP after 10 days. He ran labs, but it only showed low wbc count. Now Feb. 22; still feel like I was hit by a truck. Have to choose my activities now. A shower and getting dressed is exhausting. Feels like life is over. Always been very active, with a full time job and lots of interests outside of my work. Will never have another vaccine as long as I live!"

1 / 10
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38 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Tee
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 16, 2020

"72 yr old female. Never had pneumonia or the common cold...ever. Dr gave me Prevnar 13 shot. Three days later, desperately ill. I waited two weeks and then returned to Dr. He diagnosed Pneumonia, gave me a generic Z-pack, which was ineffective. Two weeks later I was no better, given a different antibiotic. I refused the generic and paid for branded. This one really helped but fifteen weeks later, I still have a hacking wet cough with phlegm. Will NOT allow second pneumonia shot!"

1 / 10
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35 Report
  • Suzy
  • May 29, 2020

"I can’t rate the effectiveness because I don’t know if it will prevent illness yet. But I can tell you that for me (55 year old female with rheumatoid arthritis) the side effects were rough. Started with moderate pain at the injection site then moved to the bicep muscle, now that hand is tingly. Today is 2 days post injection and I woke up with a nasty headache and feel tired and ill. I’ll let you know how long it takes to feel well again."

6 / 10
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34 Report
  • Hated...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 13, 2019

"I had Prevnar 13 shot and my whole upper arm is swollen with redness. I was hot at the injection site and stiffness in joint and reduced range of motion. I had soreness in front and back shoulder area oh and vomiting! I had body aches, low grade fever and in bed for 3 days. Some side effect symptoms are better but redness, soreness, low range motion still present. I am a mildly young person at the age of 38 I cannot imagine giving this to a 78-year-old and them having to get B sick like this for days. Or a person with a weak immune system. I’m thinking this is not the best of medicine"

2 / 10
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40 Report
  • Cordi
  • September 12, 2019

"I was 78 years old last year when I received the Prevnar 13 shot in October on the recommendation of my doctor. I turned 79 in July of this year (2019) and am still suffering the consequences of this decision. My left arm In October, 2018. Now almost a year later my arm still hurts and it has a very limited range of motion. I swam (backstroke) competitively in college and while my right arm can still do a full stroke, my left arm cannot. Not only is it painful but it makes a horrible “crunching” sound like someone crushing and forcing a paper lunch bag into a “wadded-up” ball. I am angry and hate the fact that I went into the procedure with two perfectly functioning arms and left with what appears to be forever, life-changing, painful disability."

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36 Report
  • Pat
  • June 18, 2019

"I went in for my yearly physical yesterday. I am a 66 year old female in excellent health. My doctor recommended the Prevnar 13 and since I believe in vaccines, I agreed. I get a yearly flu shot and don't mind a sore arm. Well....my arm was more painful than I have ever experienced! I had a lump at the site of the injection along with warmth. I was very sluggish and tired most of the day and by nighttime I was running a fever. Woke up this morning still not feeling much better other than my arm is less sore. As afternoon progresses the fever is coming back. Called the doctor and was told that was normal. I do not plan on getting the second shot."

1 / 10
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36 Report
  • Linny
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 1, 2019

"I had this shot 4 days ago, the most painful shot ever. Each day since brings some other negative reaction. First painful arm and sore neck , second day dizzy, third day nausea, today just a general feeling of sickness. Never again"

3 / 10
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34 Report
  • ZZXYZ
  • November 29, 2017

"I have suffered extreme muscular stiffness and weakness in my back, shoulders and legs since taking this vaccine. I have also developed chronic upper respiratory infection. This vaccine should be taken off the market."

1 / 10
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40 Report
  • MEG
  • October 12, 2020

"HAD THE PNEUMONIA and the FLU injection and ended up with horrible side effects day one, muscle aches, pains in both arms, second day after worse, third day took a Benadryl felt a little better, fourth day mild diarrhea and body aches and lack of feeling well. Today is the fifth day and still sore and running to the bathroom with loose bowels. No fever but still feeling unwell with sore injection sites in both arms. WHEN do these side effects end? How long? NEVER AGAIN I had PNEUMONIA last year with a cold it wasn't as bad as this...Meg"

3 / 10
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25 Report
  • Texas...
  • April 21, 2018

"My Husband,77 years old took this shot in 11/2015, then given another in 12/2017. That evening he was extremely anxious. We have a pulse/ox due to O2 issues in the past. I checked his pulse and it was 150bpm. I became worried! He didn’t want to go to the ER! The next morning it was stable! He told his Dr about the incident, the Dr just asked if it had happened again? It hadn’t but we were concerned about it. In Feb.,he experienced the same thing, but with a tarry stool! We went to the ER! He has 100% insurance so he was admitted. His O2 saturation was 95, pulse was elevated again.T hey did a upper G.I. & a Colonoscopy, found nothing.Sedation (Propofol)was given in what I believe to be too high as he returned on 3 liters of Oxygen. His CO2 was high and is now wearing a BIPAP instead of a CPAP! All of these symptoms started after the second shot of Prevnar 13! ER conclusion was a bacterial issue!I think this all started with this shot! Last one he’s taking!"

1 / 10
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35 Report
  • Nancy
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 29, 2018

"I'm a 72 year old female, and had my 2nd (and thankfully last) Prevnar vaccine, in my left arm, in October 2017. The initial side effects were swelling, pain, redness on and around injection site, and pain and limited mobility throughout my left arm within hours after the injection and continuing for over a week. Additionally, the day after the injection I ran a fever and felt like I had contracted a bad flu...this lasted for about 3 days, gradually improving each day. Now, 6 months later, I still have pain and reduced range of motion in the injected arm."

3 / 10
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34 Report
  • Helen...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 4, 2015

"Most painful injection in my life! Felt like a screwdriver being shoved in my arm. Shot was given very high on my arm and I believe it went into shoulder joint. 45 min after given I experienced severe low back pain and after almost 2 months I have severe pain when abducting my arm. I have taken a round of Keflex from my FNP."

1 / 10
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44 Report
  • Jkano
  • May 20, 2020

"I went for my annual checkup. My doctor said I needed the PV13 since I’m 65. The injection site was sore but the side effects of abdominal pain with diarrhea and fatigue were severe for me. I will not be getting the PV23 next year."

3 / 10
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24 Report
  • Sedo
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 7, 2020

"Just had the Prevnar 13 injection yesterday thinking it would be beneficial in case I somehow contract Covid. Injection site was pretty painful compared to the flu shot which I had also received. For reference, I’m a 30 year old female. That night I woke up dizzy and proceeded to throw up. I went to bed hoping it would pass. I’m the morning my arm and ribs on the same side felt like I had been hit by a bus as I could barely move it without experiencing moderate pain. Today I could not leave my bed and I’m hoping these symptoms subside so I can work. If you receive this vaccine, Consider these risks- when I had asked about side effects, the nurse brushed it off saying I may experience some flu-like symptoms from the flu shot- nothing mentioned about the pneumonia shot. I worry about older individuals who are being diligent in their health and may experience these symptoms or far worse without warming"

1 / 10
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21 Report
  • Mancy
  • September 30, 2020

"Omg... 4 days after pneumo injection I became short of breath with cough, diagnosed with bronchitis, one week later I have rhinitis/sinusitis. Felt great the day I got shot... horrible since.. now requesting Covid testing to rule that out. Nope no more, at 66 I’m done with vaccines ... also a former Humira user.. that drug scarred my lungs"

2 / 10
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21 Report
  • Whisp...
  • November 23, 2019

"I am 48 and got my Prevnar 13 shot in October. For days I had intense itching, headache, nausea and fatigue. Doctor tested my thyroid. It was fine. Two weeks later I got Influenza, followed by Bronchitis and a sinus infection. I keep breaking out in a rash and still feel “off”. I’m convinced that this shot is the culprit. Monday I have to see my doctor again......"

1 / 10
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23 Report
  • Juanita...
  • March 20, 2016

"When I was in my 20s I had a pneumonia shot and they said I would never need another one. My doctor insisted I have this new one. I didn't want it and he knew it but a nurse was standing there with the shot and I let them administer it in my upper right arm towards the back. The same day, my arm was useless and I had to hold on to it as it hurt so bad. I kept trying to get into the doc. but was turned down. I only lived a block away and went into his office but would not see me. This was, guessing, a year and some ago. My arm hurt that much for a week and then started to be able to move it. But, the shoulder joint of that arm is still very painful. I am in therapy for my right arm. Rapid heatbeat and breathing too."

1 / 10
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35 Report
  • Oily
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 15, 2017

"I turn 66. Ext month and while getting my annual flu shot was advised by the pharmacist to get the 1st dose of Prevnar13 Within minutes my arm started to ache and by bedtime it was swollen and quite painful. The next day and following day and still continuing into the second month my shoulders and joints are quite inflamed. It feels like my shoulder joint if deeply injured. Sleep is near impossible on my sides where I normally sleep and still mildly painful lying on my back. I won't get the second shot nest year as this has been excruciatingly painful."

2 / 10
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29 Report
  • margey...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 24, 2017

"I turned age 66 last yr and at annual check up my Dr recommended I get a pneumonia shot (never had 1). The Doctor said take half that yr and other half this yr and then never take again. Last year I had redness and swelling of arm, joint and body pain, chills, weakness and cough. The redness had gone after 1 week but other symptoms continued for 2-3 months. This year at check up I told my Dr my side effect symptoms but he didn't think it was from shot, so he gave me the other half. Within 2 hours arm swollen with redness covering whole upper arm. I was hot at the injection site and stiffness in joint and reduced range of motion. I had soreness in front and back shoulder area. I had body aches ,low grade fever and in bed for 3 days. Some side effect symptoms are better but redness, soreness, low range motion still present. Never again thank goodness"

6 / 10
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29 Report
  • Maggie...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 1, 2018

"I had this vaccine yesterday as part of my annual wellness check. Last night I had muscle pain all over my body, diarrhea into most of today, feverish, joint pain, severe headache - head still aches significantly 28 hours later, and generally feel unwell. All these symptoms are still present though they were reduced during the day but now that nightfall is about to descend on it again, they have returned."

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25 Report
  • 1981cj7
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 24, 2017

"Side effects of injection include very sore arm effectively rendered useless. Muscle aches and joint pain without relief would not allow me to sleep. Fatigue and back pain plus headache contributed to an overall miserable night and day. I don't know how long this will continue, it has been 36 hours. This vaccine requires at least two days off work and should be accompanied by a good narcotic."

5 / 10
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25 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.