Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

What is pneumococcal disease?

• Pneumococcal disease is an illness caused by an infection from pneumococci bacteria (germ). The germ may infect different parts of your body. It is one of the common causes of pneumonia (lung infection). It may also cause serious diseases, such as meningitis and sepsis. Meningitis is an infection and swelling of the fluid and lining that covers your brain and spinal cord. Sepsis is an infection in your blood.
  
  
• Pneumococcal disease is more common during the winter months. The germ is easily spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. There is a vaccine for pneumococcal disease, called the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV). Getting vaccinated with PPV may decrease your risk of pneumococcal disease.

What is the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

The PPV is an injection (shot) that is given in your upper arm muscle. The PPV may also be given as a shot just under the skin, usually on the back of your arm. The vaccine protects against 23 kinds of pneumococci germs that often cause pneumococcal diseases. The PPV works by helping your body make antibodies against the germs. Antibodies are special proteins in your blood that fight infection. The PPV helps prevent pneumococcal infection.

Who should get the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

• All adults aged 65 years or older
  
  
• Adults aged 19 to 64 who smoke cigarettes
  
  
• Adults aged 19 to 64 who have asthma
  
  
• People aged 2 to 64 who are at high risk for pneumococcal disease
  
  
• If you are Native Alaskan or American Indian, ask your caregiver if you should get the PPV.

What puts me at high risk for getting pneumococcal disease?

• You smoke cigarettes, or have asthma or a long-term lung disease.
  
  
• You have cirrhosis of the liver or long-term liver disease. You may also drink too much alcohol, or drink it too often. Drinks that contain alcohol include beer, wine, and whiskey.
  
  
• You have problems with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or your spleen was removed.
  
  
• You have diabetes or long-term heart disease.
  
  
• You have a cochlear implant (hearing device).
  
  
• You have a cerebrospinal fluid leak. This fluid surrounds your brain and spinal cord.
  
  
• You have a disease or had treatment that decreases your ability to fight infection. HIV infection, kidney disease, organ transplant, cancer, and certain medicines decrease your ability to fight infection.

How many doses of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine do I need?

• Usually only 1 PPV dose is needed: You will only need 1 dose if you are 65 years of age or older when you get your PPV shot. If you are 19 to 64 years of age, you may need more than 1 dose if you have certain medical conditions.
  
  
• A second PPV dose may be needed 5 years after the first shot if:
  
  
  • You are 19 to 64 years of age: You have a medical condition that puts you at high risk for pneumococcal disease. Diseases include long-term kidney disease, spleen problems, or you have a decreased ability to fight infection.
    
    
  • You are 65 years of age or older: You had your first PPV shot before you turned 65 and it has been 5 years or longer since you received it.

Who should not get the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

You should not get the PPV if you have had an allergic reaction to the PPV or other vaccines. Tell your caregiver about all allergies you have and the medicines you take. This will help your caregiver decide if the PPV is right for you. Tell your caregiver if you are sick or have a fever before you get this vaccine.

What are the risks of getting the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

The most common problems 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.

What are the signs and symptoms of an allergic response to the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

Signs of an allergic response to the PPV include hives or red skin, especially around your ears. Other signs are itchy hands and feet, or swelling of your eyelids, face, or inside your nose. You may have trouble breathing or swallowing. You may suddenly feel very tired or weak.

What can I do to decrease my risk of pneumococcal disease?

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

Where can I get more information about the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

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/
  

When should I contact my caregiver?

Contact your caregiver 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.

When should I seek immediate care?

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.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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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.

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