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Overview: Pneumovax 23 is a vaccine to help prevent pneumococcal disease caused by certain types of bacteria. Your health care provider will give you this vaccine by an injection into a muscle or under the skin. Common side effects are pain and redness at the injection site. You may also have a headache, tiredness, and muscle pain after getting it. These side effects usually go away in less than 3 days.

Uses

What is Pneumovax 23 used for?

Pneumovax 23 (pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent) is commonly given to help protect from infections caused by 23 types of pneumococcus, which is a kind of bacteria. Serious diseases that can be caused by pneumococcus include the following. 

  • Bacteremia, infection of the blood
  • Pneumonia
  • Meningitis, infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord

How does Pneumovax 23 work (mechanism of action)?

Pneumovax 23 triggers the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against 23 types of the bacteria called pneumococcus. If you have antibodies against these bacteria, your body is better able to fight them, which may help you from getting sick.

How should I store Pneumovax 23?

Pneumovax 23 is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Pneumovax 23?

The most common side effects of Pneumovax 23 are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, soreness, warmth, swelling, hardness, and redness at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Feeling unusually weak or tired
  • Muscle pain

There may be other side effects of Pneumovax 23 that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects by filling out an online form at https://vaers.hhs.gov. or by calling 800-822-7967. In Canada, you can report vaccine side effects to your health care team so they can complete and turn in the proper form.

What are the serious side effects of Pneumovax 23?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Pneumovax 23 are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Pneumovax 23 may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Pneumovax 23?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Pneumovax 23.

  • Pneumovax 23
  • Pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Pneumovax 23.

What should I know about Pneumovax 23 before getting it?

Make sure that you or your child gets all doses of Pneumovax 23 that your health care provider recommends. Pneumovax 23 helps protect you from serious infections caused by 23 types of a type of bacteria called pneumococcus. 

The vaccine will not give you or your child disease caused by these bacteria. 

A vaccine information statement should be provided by your health care provider to you before each vaccination. This document provides information regarding the benefits and risks of the vaccine.

People aged 65 years or older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of Pneumovax 23. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before getting Pneumovax 23?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Pneumovax 23 is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems
  • Lung problems
  • Fever or recent illness
  • A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system such as radiation or chemotherapy
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage from a skull fracture, surgery, or problems since birth

Other Medicines and Supplements. Pneumovax 23 may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before getting Pneumovax 23, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Pneumovax 23 could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Pneumovax 23 passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Pneumovax 23 while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Pneumovax 23?

For more information about Pneumovax 23, you can call the drugmaker at 800-622-4477.

Interactions

Does Pneumovax 23 interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Pneumovax 23 and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Pneumovax 23.

Does Pneumovax 23 interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you plan to get Pneumovax 23 at the same time as other vaccines.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Pneumovax 23. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Pneumovax 23?

Pneumovax 23 is given by a health care provider. Keep a record of all vaccines you receive and share it with your health care provider. If you have any side effects, please report them by calling 800-822-7967 or filling out an online form at https://vaers.hhs.gov.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Pneumovax 23?

Keep all appointments to receive Pneumovax 23. If you miss an appointment to get Pneumovax 23, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.