Which pneumococcal vaccine is known as PCV13?

The pneumococcal vaccine known as PCV13 is Prevnar 13. This vaccine is designed to protect against 13 serotypes of the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which can cause severe infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia. PCV13 is particularly important for protecting vulnerable populations, including young children and older adults, by boosting their immune response to these specific strains of the bacteria.

Prevnar 13 plays a crucial role in public health by reducing the incidence of pneumococcal disease and preventing outbreaks, especially in settings like nursing homes where individuals may have compromised immune systems or other health issues. The vaccine is often recommended as part of routine immunizations for infants and is also advised for older adults to ensure they receive adequate protection against potentially severe infections.

The other options offered in the question are different types of vaccines: Pneumovax23 is another pneumococcal vaccine that covers 23 serotypes but is not referred to as PCV13. FluMist is a seasonal influenza vaccine, and Havrix is a vaccine for hepatitis A. Each of these vaccines serves a distinct purpose, targeting different pathogens and diseases.