Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine

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

Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine is used in adults to help prevent disease caused by pneumococcal bacteria. This vaccine contains 20 different types of pneumococcal bacteria.

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

Like any vaccine, pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

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

Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine is usually given as 1 shot.

You should 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.

Tell the vaccination provider if you have:

• a weak immune system (from a disease or certain medicines); or
• if you are getting 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.

Tell 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 20-valent conjugate vaccine, you must inform the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Getting 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 20-valent conjugate vaccine may include:

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

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others 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 once as a single doseComments:-Use for the prevention of pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F, and 33F is approved under accelerated approval based on immune responses as measured by opsonophagocytic activity assay. Continued approval may depend on verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.Use: For active immunization for the prevention of pneumonia caused by S pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis:

Vaccination Schedule for Patients 6 Weeks Through 15 Months of Age: 0.5 mL IM for 4 doses, given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 through 15 months of ageCatch-Up Vaccination Schedule for Unvaccinated Patients 7 Months through 17 Years of Age:-Age 7 through 11 months at first dose: 0.5 mL IM for 3 doses---The first 2 doses: Given at least 4 weeks apart---The third dose: Given after the first birthday and at least 2 months after the second dose-Age 12 through 23 months at first dose: 0.5 mL IM for 2 doses, given at least 2 months apart-Age 24 months and older at first dose: 0.5 mL IM onceCatch-Up Vaccination Schedule for Patients Previously Vaccinated With At Least 1 Dose of a Lower Valency Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine:-Age 15 months through 17 years: 0.5 mL IM once, at least 8 weeks after the last dose of the lower valency vaccineComments:-First dose may be given as early as 6 weeks of age.-There should be at least 2 months between the 3rd and 4th dose. Uses: -For active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by S pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F in individuals 6 weeks and older-For active immunization for the prevention of otitis media caused by S pneumoniae serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F in individuals 6 weeks through 5 years of age

Pneumococcal 20-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 limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Tell the vaccination provider if you have recently received any drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, such as:

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

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.