Pneumococcal vaccination can be given at any time of the year.
Who can get the vaccine
Vaccination against pneumococcal infections is recommended and free for the following groups:
children age 2 to 59 months;
people age 65 or older;
some people who are at greater risk of complications.
People for whom vaccination is not recommended must pay to get this vaccine. To find out how much this vaccine costs, contact your medical clinic or pharmacy. These people will not receive a refund for this vaccine.
The number of doses and the vaccine vary with a person’s age and health.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines protect against the most common types of pneumococcus.
Reactions to vaccination
Some reactions (side effects) may be caused by the vaccine, such as redness at the injection site. Other problems may arise by chance and are unrelated to vaccine, such as a cold, gastroenteritis or headache.
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is safe. In most cases, it does not cause any reaction.
Nature and frequency of possible reactions to the vaccine
Frequency
Possible reactions to the vaccine
Very often (less than 50% of people)
Pain, redness and swelling at injection site
In children: mild fever, irritability, loss of appetite, sleep changes
In children: moderate fever, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash
In adults: mild fever
Sometimes (less than 1% of people)
In children, redness and swelling larger than 7 cm at the injection site
In infants: high fever, febrile seizures (convulsions caused by fever), unusual or persistent crying
In adults: swollen lymph nodes, allergic reaction
Rarely (less than 1 person in 1,000)
In children: episodes similar to fainting (paleness, weakness, lack of reaction), allergic reaction
What to do after vaccination
Guidelines to follow after vaccination
Wait 15 minutes before leaving the premises where you received the vaccine. If an allergic reaction occurs, the symptoms will appear a few minutes after the vaccination.
If you feel side effects, immediately inform the person who gave you the vaccine. That person will be able to treat you on the spot.
Guidelines to follow at home
If you experience redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, place a cold damp compress over the affected area.
Use fever or pain medication if needed.
When to seek medical attention
See a doctor if one of the following situations applies to you: