- Acting against or interacting with more than one kind of antigen, antibody, toxin, or microorganism.
- Chemistry.
- Having more than one valence.
- Having a valence of 3 or higher.
Dictionary:
pol·y·va·lent (pŏl'ē-vā'lənt) ![]() |
| 5min Related Video: polyvalent |
| Wordsmith Words: polyvalent |
(pol-ee-VAY-luhnt)
adjective
1. Having many layers, meanings, values, etc.; multifaceted.
2. (In chemistry) Having multiple valences.
3. (In medicine or biology) Effective against multiple agents.
Etymology
From poly- (many) + -valent (having a valence), from Latin valere (to be strong). Ultimately, it derives from the same Indo-European root wal- (to be strong) as the words valiant, avail, valor, and value
| Drug Info: Pneumococcal Vaccine, Polyvalent |
Brand names: Pneumovax®Pneumovax® 23Pnu-Imune®Prevnar
Pneumococcal Vaccine, Polyvalent injection
What is pneumococcal vaccine, polyvalent?
PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE, POLYVALENT (Pneumovax®, Prevnar) helps to prevent infection caused by strains of pneumococcus bacteria. These bacteria are a major cause of ear infections, 'Strep throat' infections, and serious pneumonia, meningitis, or blood infections worldwide. These vaccines help the body to produce antibodies (protective substances) that help you fight these bacteria. The Prevnar pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for infants and young children. Pneumovax® is recommended for certain children and adults with increased risks for these infections. Different brands and types of pneumococcal vaccine are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
an immune deficiency (natural or due to cancer chemotherapy, radiation, or steroid therapy)
fever or infection
heart disease
Hodgkin's disease
infection with the HIV virus, or have AIDS
lung disease
purpura
unusual bruises or bleeding
an unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Pneumococcal vaccine is for injection into a muscle or under the skin. It is given by a health-care professional in a clinic or prescriber's office.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
Remember to keep appointments for any follow-up doses needed. Notify your health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment, or miss a scheduled dose. Try to reschedule the appointment as soon as you can.What drug(s) may interact with pneumococcal vaccine?
medicines for cancer chemotherapy
medicines that suppress your immune function
steroid hormones such as hydrocortisone, cortisone, fludrocortisone, prednisone
Pneumococcal vaccine does not interfere with some of the other vaccines that are commonly given to children, such as diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP or DTaP), or Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines. In some cases more than one type of vaccine can be given to your child at the same time. Ask your health care provider if you have questions regarding the administration of more than one vaccine to your child.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking pneumococcal vaccine?
Report any side effects to your prescriber or health care professional that do not go away within 3 days. Call your health care provider if any unusual symptoms occur within 4 weeks of vaccination of your child.
What side effects may I notice from receiving pneumococcal vaccine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
confusion
difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing
extreme irritability
seizures (convulsions)
severe rash, itching (hives)
swelling of the eyes or face
fever over 102 degrees F
numbness in the arms or legs
severe headache
unusual bruising or bleeding
unusual weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
headache
joint or muscle aches
low-grade fever (102 degrees F or less)
mild skin rash or itching
pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
weakness
Where can I keep my medicine?
Each dose of this vaccine will be administered in the clinic or office of a health care professional. You will not be given vaccine doses to store at home.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
| Veterinary Dictionary: polyvalent |
Multivalent; having more than one valence.
| Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab, Ovine | |
| –valent (suffix) | |
| avidity (immunology) |
| What is a polyvalent metal? Read answer... | |
| What is the polyvalent ion of Iron111 oxide? Read answer... |
| Discipline and Punish The birth of prison Is panopticon method is polyvalent in its application? | |
| What is an example of a polyvalence? | |
| How do you code monovalent and polyvalent? |
Copyrights:
![]() | Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more | |
![]() | Wordsmith Words. © 2009 Wordsmith.org. All rights reserved. Read more | |
![]() | Drug Info. Gold Standard. Copyright © 2008 by Gold Standard. All rights reserved. Read more | |
![]() | Veterinary Dictionary. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved. Read more |
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