Pneumococcal Vaccination (cont.)
Who should not receive pneumococcal vaccine?
The pneumococcal vaccine should not be received by persons with a
prior history of hypersensitivity reactions to the vaccine.
The safety of PPV during the first trimester of pregnancy has not
been evaluated. Pregnant women or those contemplating pregnancy
should consult their doctors for additional information.
How is pneumococcal vaccine administered?
The pneumococcal vaccine is given as one dose for most people.
The vaccine is injected as a liquid solution of 0.5 mL into the
muscle (intramuscular or IM), typically deltoid muscle, or under the
skin (subcutaneous or SC). The area injected is typically sterilized
by rubbing alcohol onto the skin prior to the injection.
Persons vaccinated prior to age 65 should be vaccinated at age 65 if
five or more years have passed since the first dose. For people with
lack of spleen function (such as in sickle cell disease or after
spleen removal), transplant patients, patients with chronic kidney
disease, immunosuppressed or immunodeficient persons, and others at
highest risk of fatal infection, a second dose should be given at
least five years after first dose.
What are side effects of pneumococcal vaccine?
Pneumococcal vaccine uncommonly causes side effects. Reported side
effects include soreness and/or redness at the site of the injection,
fever, rash, and allergic reactions.
What if it is not clear what a person's vaccination history is?
When indicated, vaccine should be administered to patients with
unknown vaccination status. All residents of nursing homes and other
long-term care facilities should have their vaccination status
assessed and documented.
Next: Vaccination of children recommended »
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