The U.S. FDA-approved Pneumococcal vaccine to treat people with bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pneumonia on February 24, 2010.

Pneumococcal vaccine is used to protect against meningitis (inflammation around the brain and spinal cord), sepsis or bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream), pneumonia (lung infection), and ear infection caused by 13 different types of Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria. It makes the body produce antibodies to protect the body against the disease.

Pneumococcal vaccine injection is administered into a muscle or deep under the skin. If this injection is recommended for you, it will be given by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administrate. Your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on the medical condition because it differs for each person. 

A second dose of the Pneumococcal vaccine is not usually given until at least three years after the first dose. Healthy people do not usually need a second dose; however, persons at increased risk of serious pneumococcal infection (such as those with no spleen or a spleen that does not work properly) may be suggested.

The most common side effects of the Pneumococcal vaccine are swelling and hardening at the injection site, soreness, pain, redness.

Serious side effects while taking the Pneumococcal vaccine are difficulty in breathing, blue discoloration of lips or tongue, dizziness, fever, joint swelling, muscle pain, swelling of lips, tongue, throat, neck, hand, feet, or ankles, skin hives and rashes.

Do not take the Pneumococcal vaccine injection if you are allergic to the Pneumococcal vaccine or any other ingredients in this medicine or any other vaccine with diphtheria toxoid. Also, do not if you have a severe infection with a fever (over 38°C). Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor about present and past medical problems, breathing problems, bleeding, and bruising condition. Inform your doctor if you have a low resistance to the infection (weekend immune system or seizures. 

Notify your doctor if your child is prematurely born (at or before 28 weeks of gestation). Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant or think you might be pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not self-administer. A well-trained doctor should inject a Pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal infection occurs in anyone but is most likely to occur in people who are elder or with spleen function problems, or who have lost the spleen and have low resistance to infection due to prolonged illnesses or treatment. Seek the doctor’s advice before getting the injection.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.  Store the Pneumococcal vaccine in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Contact your doctor for more concerns. If you have missed any dosing appointments, inform your doctor and schedule immediately. 

1. Merck Sharp & Dohme (UK) Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on November 2022] [Accessed on 16th May 2023],Pneumovax 23 solution for injection in pre-filled syringe - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc) (medicines.org.uk)
2. Drug.com, [Accessed on 16th May 2023], https://www.drugs.com/history/prevnar-20.html
3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, vaccine information statement, [Accessed on 16th May 2023],  https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/pcv.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.