Pneumococcal vaccine belongs to the class of medications called vaccines. It is used for adults to prevent pneumonia caused by the 20 different types of pneumococci bacteria that are contained in the vaccine. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause many diseases ranging from pneumonia (lung infection) and meningitis (brain infection) to severe infections of the blood.

The pneumococcal vaccine increases your defenses against infection with pneumococcal bacteria by introducing very small amounts of bacterial components (not live bacteria) into the bloodstream. These bacterial components are enough to stimulate the production of your own antibodies (cells designed to attack that particular bacteria), which will remain in the body ready to attack any future bacteria that may cause infection.

It is important to remember that vaccination only protects you from those bacteria that are actually contained in the vaccine. The vaccination is designed to prevent infection caused by the most common types of pneumonia-causing bacteria.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Pneumococcal vaccine will be injected into a muscle (preferably in the upper, outer arm) by a qualified health professional.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Your doctor may recommend a different dose than the ones listed here.

It is important this vaccine be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive the pneumococcal vaccine, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Refrigerate the vaccine until use. Do not freeze the vaccine or it will have to be discarded.

Each 0.5 mL dose of white suspension contains 2.2 micrograms of polysaccharide for serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F and 33F, and 4.4 micrograms of polysaccharide for serotype 6B attached to a nontoxic diphtheria (CRM197) carrier protein. Nonmedicinal ingredients: aluminum phosphate, polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, succinic acid, water for injection.

Do not use the pneumococcal vaccine if you:

• are allergic to any ingredient of the vaccine
• have an acute, severe illness with fever

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• fever
• headache
• joint or muscle pain
• reaction at place of injection such as redness, soreness, hard lump, swelling, pain
• tiredness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• skin rash
• swollen glands

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction such as:
• difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• hives
• itching, especially of feet or hands
• reddening of skin, especially around the ears
• swelling of eyes, face, or inside of nose

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Bleeding: People with bleeding disorders, or those who are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners), may experience bruising after receiving an intramuscular injection. Tell your doctor about any bleeding problems you may have and discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Immune system: As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not be as effective for people with a weakened immune system (such as those who are on chemotherapy, who have had an organ transplant, or who have HIV).

Infection and fever: If you have an infection or fever, your doctor may recommend that you wait until you are better before receiving the pneumococcal vaccine.

Vaccine protection: As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not protect 100% of the people who receive it.

Pregnancy: This vaccine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant around the time you are scheduled to have this vaccine, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if this vaccine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and have this vaccine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: This vaccine is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

There may be an interaction between the pneumococcal vaccine and any of the following:

• medications that suppress the immune system:
• corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone)
• medications used to treat conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or medications used after a transplant

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.