Pneumococcal vaccines are extremely effective and safe against pneumococcal infection. Vaccines, like any other medicine, can cause adverse reactions. The most typical pneumococcal vaccine side effects are minimal and only last a day or two. Severe (anaphylactic) adverse responses to immunization are quite rare.
pneumococcal-vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for adults who have risk factors for pneumococcal infection or who are at high risk of severe unfavorable consequences if pneumococcal disease occurs.
- Pneumococcal vaccine is also a standard component of infant and child vaccination programmes around the world.
Contradications
Avoid taking/giving this vaccine during or atleast 10 days before to someone who is taking immunosuppresive therapy (medicines to reduce immunity or defensive reactions of the body) or to patients having Hodgkin's disease (lymphoma - cancer of the immune system) who have had chemotherapy and extensive radiation therapy. It's unsafe for the baby therefore avoid during Pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding).
Side effects
This vaccine may cause Local reaction at injection site (i.e. rash and itching on skin), Low grade fever or relapse (unstablity after a period of improvement) of stabilized idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (disorder with excessive bleeding and bruising).
Expert Advice
This vaccine has the potential to trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that necessitates prompt medical intervention. If your child or you develop a rash, irritation, itching, swelling of the throat or tongue, or breathing difficulty after receiving the pneumococcal vaccine, consult your doctor immediately. Pneumococcal vaccines should be kept in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not put the vaccination in the freezer or expose it to freezing cold temperatures. Keep the vaccine out of children’s and pets’ reach.
FAQs
Is the pneumococcal vaccine safe?
How is pneumococcal vaccine administered?
Pneumococcal vaccination is administered as a 0.5 mL liquid solution into the muscle (intramuscular injection), in usually the deltoid (shoulder) muscle, or beneath the skin (subcutaneous or SC).
What diseases does the pneumococcal vaccine protect against?
Pneumococcal vaccination provides protection against pneumococcal infections. Person-to-person contact spreads the microorganisms that cause these diseases. They have the potential to cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and infections of blood.
What is the method of disposal of pneumococcal vaccines?
Follow state and federal requirements when discarding vaccination vials and syringes.
