Prevnar 20 Side Effects

Generic name: pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 13, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Prevnar 20.

Applies to pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine: intramuscular suspension Side Effects associated with pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Prevnar 20.

Applies to pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine: intramuscular suspension.

Precautions

Be sure to notify your doctor of any side effects that occur after you receive this vaccine.

This vaccine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, a fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving the vaccine.

This vaccine will not protect you against all types of pneumococcal infections. It will also not treat an active infection.

Tell your doctor if you have already received another pneumococcal vaccine or using a medicine that causes a weak immune system (eg, radiation treatment, steroid medicine, or cancer medicine).

Serious side effects of Prevnar 20

Along with its needed effects, pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine (the active ingredient contained in Prevnar 20) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine:

Other side effects of Prevnar 20

Some side effects of pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine: intramuscular suspension.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions reported for most adults were pain at the injection site, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, arthralgia, and injection site swelling.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: Pediatric cyanosis, pediatric pallor^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angioedema, rash
• Postmarketing reports: Angioneurotic edema, erythema multiforme^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Postmarketing reports: Lymphadenopathy at injection site^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity reaction
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction (including shock)^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site pain (up to 81.2%), injection site swelling (up to 16.4%), injection site redness (up to 25.5%)
• Postmarketing reports: Vaccination-site dermatitis, vaccination-site pruritus, vaccination-site urticaria^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite among infants (up to 26.4%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Muscle pain (up to 66.6%), joint pain (up to 13.4%)
• Frequency not reported: Limitation of arm movement, arthralgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 38.8%), drowsiness among infants (up to 67.2%)
• Frequency not reported: Seizures
• Postmarketing reports: Pediatric hypotonia^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 42.7%), fever in infants (up to 17.3%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chills^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Irritability among infants (up to 70.9%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bronchospasm, dyspnea
• Postmarketing reports: Pediatric apnea^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Prevnar 20 vs Pneumovax 23: Which vaccine is right for you?
• How long does a pneumonia vaccine shot last?

Further information

Prevnar 20 side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer