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Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine    See images

Overview

Alternative names:

Vaccine - pneumovax; Immunization - pneumovax

Information

VACCINE INFORMATION
Pneumococcal is an inactivated-bacteria vaccine effective in preventing illnesses caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in children over 2 years old and adults at risk. Pneumococcal pneumonia accounts for 10 to 25% of all pneumonias.

IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE
The vaccine is recommended for:

• high-risk people over 2 years old
• all people 65 years or older
• adults and children with chronic lung or heart problems such as cystic fibrosis
• people with sickle cell disease or other illnesses with splenic dysfunction
• residents of nursing homes (extended-care facilities)
• residents of any institution housing people with chronic health problems
• people treated in the last year for kidney disease, anemia, severe asthma, or chronic metabolic illnesses (such as diabetes or chronic liver disease)
• people with immunological deficits (such as chemotherapy patients and HIV-positive people)

A single-dose injection is given. One dose is sufficient for most people. However, revaccination is recommended at 6-year intervals for people with certain chronic conditions. This immunization is not effective against pneumococcal diseases in children under 2 years. There is available, however a Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine which is different from the Pneumococcal vaccine but can be used in children less than 2 years old.

RISKS
Most people have no or only minor side effects from the pneumococcal vaccine. Pain and redness at the injection site can occur. As is the case with any drug or vaccine, there is a remote possibility that allergic reactions, more serious reactions, or even death may occur after receiving the pneumococcal vaccine.

DELAY OR DO NOT GIVE (CONTRAINDICATIONS)
Pneumococcal vaccine should be withheld or given to the following people only after consultation with their primary health care provider:

• people with fever or illness that is more than "just a cold"
• women who are or might be pregnant

POSTIMMUNIZATIONS AND CARE
Watch for and be familiar with how to treat minor side effects such as low-grade fever or tenderness at the injection site.

CALL THE PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER IF:

• uncertain if the pneumococcal vaccine should be delayed, withheld, or given to a specific person.
• moderate or serious adverse effects appear after the pneumococcal injection has been given.
• there are any questions or concerns related to the pneumococcal immunization.

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