Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Pneumococcal disease is an illness caused by an infection with pneumococci bacteria (germ). It is a common cause of pneumonia (lung infection). It can also cause infections in your blood, or brain and spinal cord. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) works by causing your body to make antibodies against the germ. Antibodies are special proteins in your blood that help prevent infection. The PPV decreases your risk of pneumococcal disease.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Antihistamines: This medicine may be given to help decrease itching.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

What to expect after you get the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine:

The most common problems you may have are redness, warmth, swelling, or pain where the shot was given. You may get a fever and have muscle pain. These problems happen more often in people who get a second dose of the vaccine. Most responses go away without treatment within 2 days. Most people do not have an allergic response to the PPV. You may still get pneumococcal disease after you get the PPV.

Stop smoking:

If you smoke, talk to your primary healthcare provider about ways to stop. Stopping smoking will decrease your risk of having pneumococcal disease and getting very ill from it.

For more information:

For more information about PPV, contact the following:

• The National Immunization Program Public Inquiries
  1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-05
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
  

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have trouble moving the arm that received the PPV shot.
  
  
• You have swollen or painful lymph nodes (glands).
  
  
• You have increased pain, redness, or swelling around the area where your shot was given.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about the PPV.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You suddenly feel weak or tired.
  
  
• You are wheezing or have trouble breathing or swallowing.
  
  
• You feel very weak or dizzy.
  
  
• You have hives or a rash that is spreading. Hives are red, itchy bumps that may cause your skin to feel like it is burning.
  
  
• You pass out or feel like you are about to faint.
  
  
• Your face is red and swollen.
  
  
• Your mouth is swollen or your throat feels tight.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (Discharge Care)