Introduction

Class Name(s):

• 80:12 Vaccines

Brand Name(s):

• Pneumovax^®23

Why get vaccinated?

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine may prevent pneumococcal disease that may occur with infection due to Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause the following: ear or sinus infections or serious infections of the lung, brain and spinal cord, or bloodstream.

Pneumococcal vaccine does not contain live virus. The vaccine works by triggering the body to make antibodies against the bacteria to provide a defense against potential infection.

This vaccine does not offer full protection against pneumococcal disease. There are many different forms of Streptococcus pneumoniae and this vaccine only covers a portion of them.

How is the vaccine given?

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine comes as a solution (liquid) to be given intramuscularly (into a muscle) or subcutaneously (under the skin) by a healthcare provider.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is given as a single dose.

What should you tell the person who is giving the vaccine?

Tell your vaccine provider if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, any part of this vaccine, any other vaccine or any drug, food or substance. Tell your vaccine provider about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• are feeling very ill, have serious cardiac or lung disease, or have ongoing leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from a birth defect, a skull fracture, or surgery. Also tell your provider if you are immunocompromised due to a medical condition or are receiving immunosuppressive medications.
• are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone vaccination to a future visit.

What are the risks from vaccination?

Side effects that have been reported with Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccineinclude:

• pain, redness, swelling, hardness at the site of injection
• weakness, tiredness
• headache
• muscle pain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit http://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

How can I learn more?

• Read the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) that your vaccine provider will give you or you can obtain it at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/index.html
• Ask your healthcare provider.
• Call your local or state health department.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: July 15, 2026.