Prevnar 20 Side Effects

Generic name: pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 4, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Prevnar 20 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.

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:

More common side effects

• fever

Incidence not known

• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• chest tightness
• chills
• cough
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• hives, itching, skin rash
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• red, irritated eyes
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

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:

More common side effects

• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• difficulty in moving
• headache
• muscle pain or stiffness
• pain in the joints

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]

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