MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine

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Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names	Definition Information

Illustrations

Pneumococci organism

Pneumococcal pneumonia

Pneumococcal vaccine

Alternative names Return to top

Vaccine - pneumovax; Immunization - pneumovax

Definition Return to top

This vaccine provides immunization against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that frequently causes meningitis and pneumonia in the elderly and in people with chronic illnesses.

Information Return to top

VACCINE INFORMATION
Pneumococcal is an inactivated-bacteria vaccine, which means it uses inactive bacteria to teach the immune system to recognize and fight the causative agent if it is ever encountered.

It effectively prevents illnesses caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in children over 2 years old and adults at risk. Pneumococcal pneumonia accounts for 10 to 25% of all pneumonias.

IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE
The vaccine is recommended for:

high-risk people over 2 years old
- this includes people with heart disease, sickle cell disease, lung disease, kidney disease, alcoholism, diabetes, cirrhosis, and leaks of cerebrospinal fluid
all people 65 years or older
people with sickle cell disease or who have had their spleen removed
residents of nursing homes (extended-care facilities)
residents of any institution housing people with chronic health problems
people with immunological deficits (such as cancer, HIV, or organ transplants)
Alaskan natives and certain Native American populations

A single-dose injection is given. One dose is sufficient for most people. However, revaccination is recommended for people over age 65 who received their first dose prior to age 65 and more than 5 years ago.

In addition, people with some of the conditions listed above, especially immunological defects and spleen problems, may need a second dose. This immunization is not effective against pneumococcal diseases in children under 2 years.

There is a different vaccine, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which is routinely given to younger children to protect against disease due to Streptococcus pneumoniae.

RISKS
Most people have no or only minor side effects from the pneumococcal vaccine. Pain and redness at the injection site can occur. As is the case with any drug or vaccine, there is a remote possibility that allergic reactions, more serious reactions, or even death may occur after receiving the pneumococcal vaccine.

DELAY OR DO NOT GIVE (CONTRAINDICATIONS)
Pneumococcal vaccine should be withheld or given to the following people only after consultation with their primary health care provider:

people with fever or illness that is more than "just a cold"
women who are or might be pregnant

POSTIMMUNIZATIONS AND CARE
Watch for and be familiar with how to treat minor side effects, such as low-grade fever or tenderness, at the injection site.

CALL THE PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER IF:

uncertain if the pneumococcal vaccine should be delayed, withheld, or given to a specific person.
moderate or serious adverse effects appear after the pneumococcal injection has been given.
there are any questions or concerns related to the pneumococcal immunization.

Update Date: 7/20/2004

Updated by: Anuradha Banerjee, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.