pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine

What is the most important information I should know about pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine?

You should not receive this vaccine if you ever had a severe allergic reaction to a pneumococcal or diphtheria toxoid vaccine.

What is pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine?

Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by a bacteria that can infect the sinuses, inner ear, lungs, blood, and brain. These conditions can be fatal.

Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine is used in adults to help prevent disease caused by pneumococcal bacteria. This vaccine contains 20 different types of pneumococcal bacteria.

This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the disease, but will not treat an active infection you already have.

Like any vaccine, pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine?

Tell the vaccination provider if you have:

• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine); or
• if you are receiving radiation or chemotherapy.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.

Tell the vaccination provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine?

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle.

Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine is usually given as 1 shot.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine is used as a single dose and does not have a booster schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while taking pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine?

Keep track of all side effects you have. If you ever need another pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine, you will need to tell the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with pneumococcal disease is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is low.

Common side effects may include:

• pain or swelling where a shot was given;
• muscle or joint pain;
• headache; or
• feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

What other drugs will affect pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine?

Tell the vaccination provider if you have recently received drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• steroid medicine;
• medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your vaccination provider, pharmacist, or doctor can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.