Pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine

Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by bacteria that can affect the sinuses, inner ear, lungs, blood, and brain. These conditions can be life-threatening.

The Pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine is used in adults to help prevent disease caused by pneumococcal bacteria. This vaccine includes 15 different types of pneumococcal bacteria.

This vaccine helps your body build immunity to the disease, but it will not treat an infection that you already have.

Like any vaccine, the pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine may not protect every person from the disease.

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle.

Pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine is usually given as 1 shot.

You do not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a pneumococcal or diphtheria toxoid vaccine.

You should not get this vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a pneumococcal or diphtheria toxoid vaccine.

Let the vaccination provider know if you have:

• heart problems;
• a breathing disorder;
• a weak immune system (due to illness or certain medications); or
• if you are receiving radiation or chemotherapy.

You can still get the vaccine if you have a minor cold. If you have a more serious illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you are better before getting this vaccine.

Inform the vaccination provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Keep track of all side effects you experience. If you need another pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine in the future, you must inform the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with pneumococcal disease is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is low.

Common side effects of pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine may include:

• pain, swelling, or redness where a shot was given;
• muscle or joint pain;
• headache; or
• feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and other side effects may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Usual Adult Dose for Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis:

0.5 mL IM onceUse: Active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F and 33

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis:

0.5 mL IM as a 4 dose series at 2, 4, 6 and 12 through 15 months of age (and at least 2 months after the third dose)0.5 mL IM as a 3 dose series at 7 through 11 months of age (the first 2 doses are given at least 4 weeks apart; third dose given after the one-year birthday, separated from the second dose by at least 2 months)0.5 mL IM as a 2 dose series at 12 through 23 months of age (two doses at least 2 months apart)0.5 mL IM once to 2 through 17 years of age (and at least 2 months after the third dose)Comments: -The first dose can be initiated at as early as 6 weeks of age.-The 4-dose series started with a lower valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccine can be completed with this vaccine. -Children and adolescents 2 years through 17 years of age who have received an incomplete series of another pneumococcal conjugate vaccine can be administered this vaccine in a single dose with a gap of at least 2 months from the last dose of another pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.Use: Active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F and 33F

Pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine is given as a single dose and does not require any booster shots.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any limitations on food, drinks, or activities.

Tell the vaccination provider if you have recently taken medications or treatments that can weaken your immune system, including:

• steroid medicine;
• medications for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
• medicines for preventing organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.