pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax 23, Pnu-Imune 23)

Pneumococcal vaccine is used for prevention of pneumonia. This pneumococcal vaccine contains chemicals (polysaccharides) extracted from 23 types of Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria. Upon injecting pneumococcal vaccine, our body recognizes these chemical as foreign and produces antibodies to destroy the chemicals. Antibodies are blood protein that help the body fight infection and destroy other harmful substances. Once produced, these antibodies destroy injected Streptococcus pneumonia chemicals. However, the antibodies remain active in the body and can detect the same chemicals from live Streptococcus pneumonia in the future. If a vaccinated person comes in contact with Streptococcus pneumonia the antibodies will destroy the bacteria and prevent pneumonia or reduce its severity. The FDA approved pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent in June 1983.

This vaccine should not be confused with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) used in special conditions (children <5 years old, for example) because often in the medical literature the non-specific term "pneumococcal vaccine" is used.

What brand names are available for pneumococcal vaccine-injection?

Pneumovax 23, Pnu-Imune 23

Is pneumococcal vaccine-injection available as a generic drug?

No

Do I need a prescription for pneumococcal vaccine-injection?

Yes

Common side effects of pneumococcal vaccine are:

• Injection site pain
• Redness
• Soreness
• Tenderness

Other side effects include:

• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness

Severe allergic reactions may occur.

The recommended dose is 0.5 ml injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Routine revaccination is not recommended unless patients' previous vaccine history is unknown.

Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV 23) is not recommended for children under the age of 2.

Administration of pneumococcal vaccine is not recommended at the same time as zoster vaccine live (Zostavax). When they are given concurrently, pneumococcal vaccine reduces the response of zoster vaccine compared to those who received both vaccines 4 weeks apart.

Medications such as cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) and tacrolimus (Prograf) that weaken the immune system should not be used with pneumococcal vaccine. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus reduce the effects of pneumococcal vaccine; therefore, such patients must be evaluated before recommending pneumococcal vaccine.

It is not known whether pneumococcal vaccine enters breast milk.

What preparations of pneumococcal vaccine-injection are available?

• Pneumococcal vaccine is a sterile, liquid vaccine for intramuscular or subcutaneous injections only.
• Pneumococcal vaccines are available in 5-dose vials.
• They are also available as a pack of 10 single dose vials and 10 single-dose pre-filled syringes.
• Each 0.5 ml dose contains 25 mcg polysaccharide of each pneumococcal type.

How should I keep pneumococcal vaccine-injection stored?

Pneumococcal vaccine should be refrigerated between 2 C to 8 C (36 F to 46 F).