Pneumovax
Pneumovax vaccine protects you or your child (2 years and older) from severe infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria.
Form
injektioneste, liuos
Active Ingredient
Streptococcus pneumoniae polysaccharides, 23 serotypes
Manufacturer
Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
How to Use
Dosage
You or your child will receive one dose. A booster dose may be given at least three years later for those at high risk.
Method
The vaccine is given as an injection into a muscle or deep under the skin.
Important
One dose. A second dose is not recommended within three years due to a higher risk of side effects.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Tenderness at the injection site
- •Pain at the injection site
- •Redness at the injection site
- •Warmth at the injection site
- •Swelling at the injection site
- •Hardening at the injection site
- •Fever
RARE
- •Extensive swelling in the vaccinated limb
- •Reduced movement in the limb where the injection was given
- •Feeling tired
- •General feeling of being unwell
- •Uncontrolled shaking
- •Nausea or vomiting
- •Swollen and/or inflamed glands
- •Joint pain, inflammation, swelling and muscle pain
- •Decrease in blood platelets, leading to increased risk of bleeding and bruising
- •Headache, changes in skin sensation or tingling, numbness or weakness in arms and legs (e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome)
- •Increased inflammation marker (CRP) in blood tests
- •Red blood cell breakdown leading to anemia (hemolytic anemia) in people with blood disorders
- •Increase in certain types of white blood cells
- •Seizures with high fever
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to this vaccine or any of its ingredients.
- Talk to your doctor if you or your child has a high fever, as vaccination may need to be postponed.
- Talk to your doctor if you or your child has a weakened immune system due to an illness or treatment, such as cancer treatment.
- If you or your child is already taking antibiotics to prevent pneumococcal infections, do not stop them after vaccination.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before vaccination.