Pneumovax 23 Vaccine

• For active immunisation for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by the 23 serotypes contained in the vaccine: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6b, 7f, 8, 9n, 9v, 10a, 11a, 12f, 14, 15b, 17f, 18c, 19f, 19a, 20, 22f, 23f and 33f.
• Intended for adults and for children aged 2 years and over who are at increased risk of pneumococcal infection. This includes older adults and anyone with a long-term condition such as diabetes, chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, a weakened immune system, a cochlear implant, a cerebrospinal fluid leak, or no spleen or a poorly functioning spleen.

• If you have a known allergy to Pneumovax injection or any of its components.
• If you have had a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to a previous dose of this vaccine.

• Pain, tenderness, redness, swelling or hardening at the injection site
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain and joint pain
• Tiredness
• Reduced appetite

• Nausea or vomiting
• Rash or itching
• Swollen glands near the injection site
• Dizziness, or feeling faint around the time of the injection
• A marked swelling of the whole limb in which the injection was given

• Severe allergic reaction, with swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a widespread rash, a sudden drop in blood pressure or collapse
• A fever that is high or that is not settling
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Other General Warnings

• You or your child has an infection with fever, as vaccination may need to be delayed until recovery.
• You or your child has a low resistance to infections because of a course of treatment (such as drugs or radiation treatment for cancer).
• You or your child has a longstanding illness or an infection that may have lowered resistance to pneumococcal infections.
• You have a bleeding or clotting disorder, a low platelet count, or take blood-thinning medicines, as an injection into a muscle can cause bleeding or bruising.
• You have fainted after an injection before, or have a history of seizures.
• You have no spleen, a poorly functioning spleen, a cochlear implant or a cerebrospinal fluid leak.
• You are about to start treatment that will weaken your immune system, as vaccination is best given beforehand where possible.
• You have already received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, or you are due, because the order and interval between the two types matter.
• Never inject this vaccine into a vein. A healthcare professional should give it, with facilities available to manage a severe allergic reaction.

• Pneumovax 23 Vaccine will be administered by a physician or nurse.
• Do not self-inject; follow any aftercare instructions given by the doctor/nurse.
• It is given as a single injection into a muscle or just under the skin, usually in the upper arm. It must never be given into a vein.
• Tell the doctor or nurse before the injection about any allergy, any fever on the day, any bleeding or clotting problem, and any medicine that affects your immune system.
• Stay where you were vaccinated for a short observation period afterwards so staff can treat any immediate reaction.
• Keep the vaccination record or card you are given and bring it to your next appointment.

• Store at 2°C to 8 °C. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not freeze. Discard the vaccine if it has been frozen.
• Keep it in the original carton until use.
• Do not use the vaccine after its expiry date, or if the packaging is damaged, the solution looks cloudy, or it contains particles.
• Do not dispose of it in household waste or down a drain. The clinic or pharmacy disposes of vaccines and used syringes.

• This vaccine protects only against 23 types of pneumococcus. It does not prevent every case of pneumonia or meningitis, and it does not treat an infection you already have.
• It is not used in children under 2 years of age. A conjugate vaccine is used instead in infants, and your doctor will advise which is appropriate.
• Tell your doctor if you have had any past reaction to a vaccine, or if you are feeling unwell on the day. Vaccination is usually postponed if you have a fever.
• Tell your doctor if you have already had a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, as the order and spacing of the two types matters.
• After the injection, move your arm normally and apply a cool compress to help with soreness. Ask your doctor before taking a painkiller.
• Tell your doctor if you have no spleen, a cochlear implant, or a cerebrospinal fluid leak, or if you are about to start treatment that weakens the immune system, as timing matters.
• If you notice unusual swelling of the whole arm, or feel lightheaded after leaving, contact your doctor.
• Keep your vaccination record and bring it to your next appointment.

Overdose

Missed a Dose

Interactions with other drugs

Interactions with food items