Pneumovax 23 Vaccine
Pneumovax 23 Vaccine is usually given as an injection into the muscle of the upper arm by a doctor or a nurse. It should not be self-administered. Only one dose is needed for most people. A booster dose can be given 5 years after the first dose.
Pneumovax 23 Vaccine
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
Pneumovax 23 Vaccine is used for prevention of diseases caused by pneumococcal bacteria such as pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections, and blood infections.
Pneumovax 23 Vaccine is usually given as an injection into the muscle of the upper arm by a doctor or a nurse. It should not be self-administered. Only one dose is needed for most people. A booster dose can be given 5 years after the first dose.
Some common side effects of this vaccine include injection site reactions (such as pain, swelling, redness), headache, weakness, tiredness, and muscle pain. If these side effects persist or get worse, let the doctor know. The doctor may help with ways to reduce or prevent these symptoms.
To ensure safety, before receiving the vaccine, it is important to let the doctor know if you have any problems with your heart, liver, and kidneys. You should also tell the doctor about all the medicines you are taking. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult and seek advice from their doctor before receiving the vaccine.
03Uses
Prevention of pneumonia, meningitis, blood infection & ear infection
04How To Use
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
05How It Works
Pneumovax 23 Vaccine is a vaccine which helps develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness but stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies (proteins) to protect against any future infections.
06What If You Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose of Pneumovax 23 Vaccine, please consult your doctor.
07Benefits
In Prevention of pneumonia, meningitis, blood infection & ear infection
Pneumovax 23 Vaccine protects against pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease refers to any illness caused by pneumococcal bacteria such as ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis (infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord), bacteremia (bloodstream infection), or pneumonia (lungs infection). Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, children above 2 years of age, people with certain medical conditions, adults 65 years or older, and cigarette smokers are at the highest risk and can receive this vaccine. Most pneumococcal infections are mild. However, some can be serious. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best defense against pneumococcal disease.
08Side Effects
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Muscle pain
Tiredness
Weakness
Headache
Injection site redness
09Safety Information
Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Pneumovax 23 Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Pneumovax 23 Vaccine during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Pneumovax 23 Vaccine during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Driving:SAFE
Pneumovax 23 Vaccine does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Kidney:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Pneumovax 23 Vaccine in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
Liver:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Pneumovax 23 Vaccine in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
10Drug Tips
Pneumovax 23 Vaccine is given to prevent invasive diseases caused by pneumococcal bacteria such as pneumonia, meningitis, ear, and blood infections.
It is usually given as an injection into the muscle (intramuscular) of the upper arm.
Only one dose is needed for most people. A booster dose can be given 5 years after the first dose.
Inform your doctor if you have an infection with a high temperature, as vaccination may need to be delayed until recovery.
It may cause fever. Inform your doctor if it does not go away or if it gets higher than 102 degree Fahrenheit.
References
Sources and references
Pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent . Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.; 1983. . view
Sinha A, Singh S. Immunization and Immunodeficiency. In: Paul VK, Bagga A, editors. Ghai Essential Pediatrics. 8th ed. New Delhi: CBS Publisher’s & Distributors Pvt Ltd.; 2013. pp. 199-200.
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine. Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire: Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited; 2000 . view
