StroVac Vaccination

StroVac vaccination (formerly Karenovac) is a measure for prophylaxis (prevention) and treatment of recurrent (recurring) bacterial urinary tract infections. The vaccine is produced by the pharmaceutical company Strathmann GmbH & Co. KG and is available only on prescription.

The StroVac vaccine contains killed bacterial species that are most commonly responsible for urinary tract infections. One dose of the vaccine contains at least 109 of these germs of the following types and amounts:

  • 6 different strains of Escherichia coli (7.5 x 108).
  • Proteus mirabilis (3.75 x 107)
  • Morganella morganii (3.75 x 107)
  • Enterococcus feacalis (2.5 x 107)
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae (1.5 x 108)

StroVac vaccination results in a so-called active immunization by injection of inactivated germs. After contact with the antigens of the pathogens, the immune system induces the formation of antibodies by lymphocytes, which later differentiate into memory cells and continue to circulate both in the blood and in the lymphatics. Upon re-contact with the antigens of the same pathogens, a more rapid, efficient immune response occurs.

Indications (areas of application)

  • Recurrent (recurrent) bacterial urinary tract infections.

Contraindications

  • Children under five years of age should not be vaccinated with StroVac.

Implementation

  • Basic immunization: StroVac vaccination is performed three times at intervals of approximately 2 weeks.
  • Booster vaccination is done by the so-called booster StroVac after about a year.
  • The vaccine suspension has a volume of 0.5 ml and is injected intramuscularly (into the muscles), usually into the deltoid muscle (upper arm muscle). In no case should the vaccine be injected intravascularly (into a vessel).

Efficacy

  • After basic immunization or booster vaccination: protection of about twelve months.

Possible side effects

After any vaccination, side effects can basically occur in the form of allergic reactions and vaccination reactions. As such, occasional redness, swelling, tightness and pain at the injection site, as well as occasional headache, nausea, fever, chills and fatigue are known.

StroVac vaccination is used in infection-prone patients with a disposition for urinary tract infections.

Benefits

StroVac vaccination may reduce the frequency of urinary tract infections.