Drug interactions
Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent + Prednisone
Severity: Minor
Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent and Prednisone: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids can reduce the antibody response to inactivated vaccines. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is non-live, so it is not contraindicated and is still recommended in patients on steroids, though protection may be weaker.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent and Prednisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent belongs to Miscellaneous; Prednisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression blunts B- and T-cell responses to vaccination.
What to do
Give the vaccine as indicated, ideally before starting prolonged high-dose steroids when feasible. Do not delay vaccination for steroid therapy and follow local guidance on revaccination.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Prednisone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Radium-223 dichloride Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Prednisone Major
Other interactions of Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent
- Adalimumab + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent Moderate
- Alefacept + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent Moderate
- Anakinra + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent Moderate
- Anti-thymocyte + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent Moderate
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent Moderate
- Antithymocyte globulin rabbit + Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent with Prednisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent and Prednisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids can reduce the antibody response to inactivated vaccines. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is non-live, so it is not contraindicated and is still recommended in patients on steroids, though protection may be weaker.
How serious is the interaction between Pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent and Prednisone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give the vaccine as indicated, ideally before starting prolonged high-dose steroids when feasible. Do not delay vaccination for steroid therapy and follow local guidance on revaccination.
What other medicines interact with Prednisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prednisone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles vaccine, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Prednisone page.
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