Prevents severe infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis
Brand Names:
Pneumovax 23, Pnu-Imune 23
Contraindications:
You should not receive pneumococcal vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction to it, or if you are in the first 3 months of pregnancy. This vaccine is not recommended in infants and children under 2 years of age
Uses:
Injectable
You may receive the shot only once unless your doctor decides you need another shot.
Tell your doctor if you have had this type of shot before.
The shot can be given in the shoulder muscle or in the thigh muscle.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Warnings:
This vaccine is usually given only once as side effects may occur more often if given a second time. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have received pneumococcal vaccine in the past.
Check with your doctor before receiving pneumococcal vaccine if you have an illness with a fever.
Patients who are getting medicine like prednisone, receiving chemotherapy for cancer, or who have HIV infection or AIDS may not be fully protected by this vaccine. Because there may be some benefit, your doctor may still want you to receive the vaccine.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Trouble breathing, chest tightness, or wheezing
Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
Severe skin rash, intense itching, or hives
Unexplained high fever
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Soreness, redness, or a lump where the shot was given
