Pneumovax 23 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Pneumovax 23 Used For?
Pneumovax 23 is a vaccine that helps protect against infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria. It contains inactive parts from 23 of the most common types of pneumococcal bacteria.
Primary Uses
Pneumovax 23 helps prevent serious pneumococcal infections including meningitis (brain and spinal cord infection), pneumonia (lung infection), severe middle ear infections, and severe blood infections. It’s recommended for children 2 years and older, teenagers, and adults who have increased risk factors, people aged 65 and older, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50 years of age.
How It Works
The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection against pneumococcal infection. It makes disease-fighting substances called antibodies to fight the bacteria. The vaccine itself cannot cause the infection. If a vaccinated person comes into contact with live bacteria, the body is usually ready and produces antibodies to destroy it.
Good to know: The vaccine itself cannot cause pneumococcal infection – it only helps your body build protection against it.
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How to Take Pneumovax 23
Pneumovax 23 is given as an injection by a doctor or trained nurse, either into a muscle (such as your upper arm or mid-thigh) or under the skin.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is 0.5 mL given as a single injection. The dose is the same for everyone. Usually only one injection is needed to help protect against pneumococcal disease. However, if you are at increased risk of serious pneumococcal infection, you may need a second injection. Your doctor will decide if and when you need a second injection.
Important: The vaccine should not be injected directly into veins (intravenously).
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Soreness, redness, warmth, swelling or hard lump where you had the injection
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Generally feeling unwell
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Extensive swelling of the vaccinated limb
- Aching muscles, muscle tenderness or weakness not caused by exercise
- Decreased ability to move limb
- Painful or swollen joints
- Tingling or numbness of hands or feet
- Swollen and painful lymph glands
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Convulsions or fits due to fever
- Skin rash, itching
- Pinkish, itchy swellings on skin (hives)
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Swelling of other body parts
- Shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before receiving Pneumovax 23. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take Pneumovax 23
Do not get Pneumovax 23 if you are allergic to the vaccine or any of its ingredients, if the expiry date has passed, or if your child is under 2 years of age. The safety and effectiveness in children below 2 years have not been established.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have heart or lung problems, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP – a bleeding disorder), blood problems, current infection or high temperature, are currently receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy, have been vaccinated with a pneumococcal vaccine before, or have allergies to other medicines, vaccines, or substances.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known whether the vaccine is harmful to an unborn baby. Your doctor will only give you Pneumovax 23 if clearly needed. It is also not known whether the vaccine passes into breast milk. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits if you are breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines or vaccines may interfere with Pneumovax 23 and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and vaccines you are taking.
Important: Pneumovax 23 may not work as well if you are taking medicines that decrease the immune system.
- Corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone)
- Cyclosporin
- Chemotherapy medicines
- ZOSTAVAX® (should not be given at the same time – may be better to get these vaccines at least 4 weeks apart)
Alcohol & Driving
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol consumption or driving restrictions with Pneumovax 23.
Storage
Pneumovax 23 is usually stored at the doctor’s surgery, clinic, or pharmacy. If you need to store it: keep it where children cannot reach it, store in the refrigerator but not in the door compartment, do not freeze as freezing destroys the vaccine, and keep in the original pack until it’s time to be given.
Overdose Information
Pneumovax 23 is given as a single measured dose by healthcare professionals, so overdose is unlikely. The usual dose is 0.5 mL and is the same for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
The vaccine works by causing your body to produce antibodies against pneumococcal bacteria. While the source doesn’t specify exact timing, the vaccine helps your body build protection so that if you come into contact with live bacteria, your body is ready to produce antibodies to destroy it.
No, Pneumovax 23 is not addictive. It is a vaccine that helps your body build immunity against pneumococcal infections.
Usually only one injection is needed to help protect against pneumococcal disease. However, if you are at increased risk of serious pneumococcal infection, you may need a second injection. Your doctor will decide if and when you need a second injection.
Yes, Pneumovax 23 is recommended for people aged 65 years and older. People in this age group are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease, making vaccination important for their protection.
Common side effects like soreness at injection site, fever, chills, and headache are usually mild and improve within a few days. However, call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency department if you experience serious side effects like extensive limb swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of allergic reaction.
You should not receive Pneumovax 23 if you are allergic to the vaccine or its ingredients, if your child is under 2 years of age, or if the vaccine has expired. People with certain medical conditions should discuss with their doctor before vaccination.
Pneumovax 23 should not be given at the same time as ZOSTAVAX®. It may be better to get these vaccines at least 4 weeks apart. Always tell your healthcare provider about any other vaccines or medicines you are taking.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.