Vaccination is the best protection against serious pneumococcal infections and their complications. For example, bacteremia, a blood infection with or without pneumonia, and meningitis, an infection of the lining that covers the brain, are 2 serious infections caused by pneumococcus.
There are many types of pneumococcus. Conjugate vaccines protect against the most common types. Unfortunately, no vaccine protects against all types of pneumococcus.
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is indicated for all children, at 2 months, 4 months and 12 months of age.
Vaccine composition
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines stimulate the immune system, which then prepares antibodies to defend itself against these bacteria.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines don’t contain the bacteria. They are composed of glucose and proteins found on the surface of the bacteria that can’t infect the person receiving the vaccine. In other words, the vaccines can’t transmit pneumococcal infection.
Like many other vaccines, pneumococcal conjugate vaccines contain an adjuvant, used to boost the immune system’s response to the vaccine. The vaccines contain no preservatives, latex, antibiotics, thimerosal or mercury.
Some symptoms may be caused by the vaccine, such as redness at the injection site. Other problems may occur by chance and are not related to the vaccine, for example a cold, gastroenteritis or a headache.
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is safe. In most cases, it does not cause any reactions.
The nature and frequency of possible reactions to vaccine
Frequency
Possible reactions to the vaccine
Very often (less than 50% of people)
Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
Slight fever, irritability, loss of appetite, changes in sleep in children
Moderate fever, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash in children
Slight fever in adults
Sometimes (less than 1% of people)
Redness swelling, small lump for a few weeks covering an area more than 7 cm in diameter at the injection site in children
High fever, convulsions due for fever, unusual or persistent crying in young children
Swollen lymph nodes, allergic reaction in adults
Rarely (less than 1 person in 1,000)
Episodes similar to loss of consciousness (paleness, weakness, lack of reaction), allergic reaction in children
What to do after vaccination
Tips to follow immediately following vaccination
Wait 15 minutes before leaving premises where vaccine is received. If an allergic reaction occurs, the symptoms will appear a few minutes after the vaccination.
If you feel side effects, immediately inform the person giving the vaccine. That person will be able to treat you immediately.
Tips to follow at home
If you experience redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold, damp compress on it.
Use medication for fever or discomfort if needed.
When to seek medical help
See a doctor if one of the following applies to you:
