Pneumococcal disease (PCV or PPSV)

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  • WHAT IT PROTECTS AGAINST

    • Pneumonia
    • Meningitis
    • Sepsis
    • Ear Infection

  • WHO SHOULD GET IT

    Infants, young children and adults

  • WHEN IT’S ROUTINELY GIVEN

    • 2 months

    • 4 months

    • 6 months

    • 12-15 months
    • 50 years and older

  • BENEFITS

    • Protects against serious illness and complications of Pneumococcal disease:
      • Severe breathing problems from Pneumonia
      • Long-term brain or nerve damage from Meningitis
      • Organ failure or death from bloodstream infections
      • Repeated or severe infections in young children or people with weakened immune systems
    • Prevents emergency room visits and hospital stays,
    • Helps stop the illness from spreading to others

  • POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

    • Soreness around injection site
    • Mild fever
    • Fussiness
    • Headache
    • Tiredness
    • Muscle aches
    • Serious allergic reactions are rare

    Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and temporary. It’s always good to keep in mind that vaccine side effects are minor compared to the more severe health issues that can be caused if you get sick with the disease.

  • VACCINE PRODUCTS (available in the United States)

    • Vaxneuvance (PCV15) – 4 dose series for infants and young children, 1 dose for adults
    • Prevnar 20 (PCV20) – 4 dose series for infants and young children, 1 dose for adults
    • Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23) – 1 dose for high risk children and adults
    • Capvaxive (PCV21) – 1 dose for adults

  • COMMON QUESTIONS

    Why are there different pneumococcal vaccines?

    Different pneumococcal vaccines protect against different strains of bacteria and are recommended for different age groups and risk levels.