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Overview: Vaxneuvance 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. Common side effects are pain and redness at the injection site. You may also have a headache, tiredness, and muscle or joint pain after getting it. These side effects usually go away in less than 3 days.

Uses

What is Vaxneuvance used for?

Vaxneuvance (pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine) is commonly given to help protect from the following serious infections caused by 15 types of pneumococcus, which is a kind of bacteria.

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

How does Vaxneuvance work (mechanism of action)?

Vaxneuvance triggers the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against 15 types of bacteria called pneumococcus. If you have antibodies against these bacteria, your body is better able to fight them, which may help keep you from getting sick.

How should I store Vaxneuvance?

Vaxneuvance 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 Vaxneuvance?

The most common side effects of Vaxneuvance are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you or your child have any of these side effects that bother you/them.

  • Pain, swelling, redness, or a lump near the injection site
  • Fever, fussiness, or loss of appetite (children below 2 years of age)
  • Muscle aches
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Joint pain

There may be other side effects of Vaxneuvance that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a vaccine. 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 Vaxneuvance?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vaxneuvance 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
  • Swollenlymph 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 Vaxneuvance?

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

  • Pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine
  • Vaxneuvance
  • Any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid

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

What should I know about Vaxneuvance before getting it?

Make sure that you or your child gets all doses of Vaxneuvance that your health care provider recommends. Vaxneuvance helps protect you from certain serious infections caused by 15 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 vaccination. This document provides information regarding the benefits and risks of the vaccine.

What should I tell my health care provider before getting Vaxneuvance?

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 Vaxneuvance 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.

  • An allergic reaction to any vaccine
  • A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system (such as radiation or chemotherapy)

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

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Vaxneuvance 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 receive Vaxneuvance while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Vaxneuvance?

For more information about Vaxneuvance, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.vaxneuvance.com or call them at 800-622-4477.

Interactions

Does Vaxneuvance interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Vaxneuvance and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Vaxneuvance.

Does Vaxneuvance interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Vaxneuvance and other medicines. 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.

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 Vaxneuvance?

Vaxneuvance 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 Vaxneuvance?

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