Pneumovax
Pneumovax is a vaccine that helps protect you or your child (aged 2 years and older) from serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria.
Form
injektioneste, liuos, esitäytetty ruisku
Active Ingredient
Streptococcus pneumoniae polysaccharides, 23 serotypes
Manufacturer
Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
How to Use
Dosage
One dose. A second dose is usually not given until at least three years after the first.
Method
Given as an injection into a muscle or deep under the skin by a doctor or nurse.
Important
Usually one dose every 3-5 years, if needed. Not recommended within 3 years of the first dose.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Tenderness, pain, redness, warmth, swelling, hardening at the injection site, fever.
RARE
- •Extensive swelling of the vaccinated arm or leg.
- •Less movement in the arm or leg where the shot was given.
- •Feeling tired.
- •General feeling of being unwell.
- •Uncontrollable shaking (chills).
- •Nausea or throwing up.
- •Swollen or sore glands.
- •Pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints and muscles.
- •Decrease in blood cells (platelets) that help blood clot, leading to easier bleeding or bruising, especially in people with ITP.
- •Headache, tingling or numbness of the skin, weak or numb arms and legs (like Guillain-Barré syndrome).
- •High levels of a substance called CRP in blood tests, which shows inflammation.
- •Red blood cells breaking down (hemolytic anemia) in people with blood disorders.
- •Increase in some types of white blood cells.
- •Seizures (fits) with high fever.
Important Warnings
- Do not get this vaccine if you or your child is allergic to Pneumovax or any of its ingredients.
- Tell your doctor if you or your child has a fever or are sick, as vaccination might be delayed.
- Tell your doctor if you or your child has a weakened immune system due to treatments like cancer medicines or radiation.
- Tell your doctor if you or your child has a long-term illness or infection that might weaken immunity to pneumococcal infections.
- People aged 65 and older may experience more or more severe side effects.
Show 2 more warnings
- Do not stop antibiotics for pneumococcal infection after vaccination. See a doctor quickly if you suspect an infection, especially if you have a high risk.
- Seek immediate medical help if you or your child has a severe allergic reaction after vaccination, such as trouble breathing, blue lips, dizziness, swelling of the face/throat, or a severe rash.