Vaccination is the best protection against serious pneumococcal infections and their complications. For instance, bacteremia that is a blood infection, with or without pneumonia, and meningitis that is an infection of the brain lining are 2 serious infections caused by pneumococcus.
There are several types of pneumococcus. Conjugate vaccine provides protection from 10 types (Synflorix vaccine) or 13 types (Prevnar 13 vaccine), the most frequent types.
Conjugate pneumococcal vaccine is indicated for all children from ages 2 months to 4 years. The vaccine is recommended for persons ages 5 to 17 who have a medical condition that increases their risk of serious pneumococcal infection. Adults whose spleen is missing or malfunctioning, by surgery or after certain diseases, or whose immune system has been weakened should also receive this vaccine. The number of doses to be received varies according to the person’s age and medical condition.
Some symptoms may be caused by the vaccine, e.g. redness at the injection site. Other problems may occur by chance and are not related to the vaccine, e.g. cold, gastro, headache.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is safe. In most cases, it does not cause any reaction.
| Frequency | Possible reactions to the vaccine |
|---|---|
|
Very often |
|
|
Often |
|
|
Sometimes |
|
|
Rarely |
|
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.
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.
See a doctor if one of the following applies to you:
Last update: July 27, 2017 3:24 PM
The information on this website by no means replaces the advice of a health professional. If you have questions regarding your health, contact Info-Santé 811 or see a health professional.
