Pneumococcal Vaccine, Polyvalent suspension for injection

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine suspension for injection

July 17, 2018

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine suspension for injection

What is this medicine?

PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE (NEU mo KOK al vak SEEN) is a vaccine used to prevent pneumococcus bacterial infections. These bacteria can cause serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections. This vaccine will lower your chance of getting pneumonia. If you do get pneumonia, it can make your symptoms milder and your illness shorter. This vaccine will not treat an infection and will not cause infection. This vaccine is recommended for infants and young children, adults with certain medical conditions, and adults 65 years or older.

How should I use this medicine?

This vaccine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 weeks old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • confused

  • fast or irregular heartbeat

  • fever over 102 degrees F

  • seizures

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • unusual muscle weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • aches and pains

  • diarrhea

  • fever of 102 degrees F or less

  • headache

  • irritable

  • loss of appetite

  • pain, tender at site where injected

  • trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

  • medicines for cancer chemotherapy

  • medicines that suppress your immune function

  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. This vaccine is given in a clinic, pharmacy, doctor's office, or other health care setting and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bleeding problems

  • fever

  • immune system problems

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to pneumococcal vaccine, diphtheria toxoid, other vaccines, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Mild fever and pain should go away in 3 days or less. Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor or health care professional.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018