Pneumococcal polysaccharides vaccine (PPSV), 23-valent

Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by bacteria called pneumococcus. It can infect the blood, lungs, and the area around the brain and spinal cord. These infections can be fatal.

Pneumococcal polysaccharides vaccine (PPSV) is used to help prevent disease caused by 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria, which are included in the vaccine.

PPSV is for adults 50 years and older, and for adults and children who are at least 2 years old and have a higher risk of developing pneumococcal disease due to certain medical conditions.

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

Like any vaccine, pneumococcal polysaccharides vaccine may not protect every person from disease.

Read all vaccine information sheets provided to you.

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle or under the skin.

Most people receive one shot. You may need another shot if you are at high risk of infection with pneumococcal bacteria.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to pneumococcal vaccine or any of its ingredients.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a pneumococcal vaccine.

Inform the vaccination provider if you or your child has:

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

You can still receive the vaccine if you have a minor cold. If you have a more serious illness with a fever or any kind of infection, your vaccination provider may choose to postpone vaccination until you recover.

Let the vaccination provider know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

The vaccination provider may want to monitor you for a short time after the injection to ensure you do not have any allergic reaction. You will receive prompt treatment if there is a reaction right after getting the vaccine.

You should not receive this vaccine if any dose of this vaccine caused an allergic reaction. The doctor or vaccination provider will decide if you can safely receive this vaccine.

Keep track of all side effects you experience. If you need another shot later, inform the vaccination provider if a previous shot caused any side effects.

Common side effects of pneumococcal polysaccharides vaccine (PPSV), 23-valent may include:

• pain, warmth, soreness, redness, swelling, or a hard lump where a shot was given;
• muscle pain;
• headache; or
• feeling weak or 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 or subcutaneously, onceComments:-For use in patients 50 years or older, or in younger patients at increased risk of pneumococcal disease

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis:

2 years and older at increased risk of pneumococcal disease:0.5 mL, IM or subcutaneously, once

If you miss an appointment for this vaccine, call your vaccination provider for guidance.

An overdose of this vaccine is not likely to happen.

Follow your doctor's guidance regarding any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Before getting this vaccine, inform your vaccination provider about any other medications you are taking and any other vaccines you have had recently or are planning to get.

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

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

This list is not complete. Other medications may affect PPSV, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are included here.