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 15-valent conjugate vaccine is used in adults to help prevent disease caused by pneumococcal bacteria. This vaccine contains 15 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 15-valent conjugate vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

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

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

Pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine is usually given as 1 shot.

Usual Adult Dose for Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis:

0.5 mL IM once

Use: Active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F and 33

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pneumococcal Disease Prophylaxis:

0.5 mL IM as a 4 dose series at 2, 4, 6 and 12 through 15 months of age (and at least 2 months after the third dose)
0.5 mL IM as a 3 dose series at 7 through 11 months of age (the first 2 doses are given at least 4 weeks apart; third dose given after the one-year birthday, separated from the second dose by at least 2 months)
0.5 mL IM as a 2 dose series at 12 through 23 months of age (two doses at least 2 months apart)
0.5 mL IM once to 2 through 17 years of age (and at least 2 months after the third dose)

Comments:
-The first dose can be initiated at as early as 6 weeks of age.
-The 4-dose series started with a lower valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccine can be completed with this vaccine.
-Children and adolescents 2 years through 17 years of age who have received an incomplete series of another pneumococcal conjugate vaccine can be administered this vaccine in a single dose with a gap of at least 2 months from the last dose of another pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Use: Active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F and 33F

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

Tell the vaccination provider if you have:

• heart problems;

• a breathing disorder;

• 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.

Pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine is used as a single dose and does not have a booster schedule.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

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

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Keep track of all side effects you have. If you ever need another pneumococcal 15-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 of pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine may include:

• pain, swelling, or redness 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.

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 15-valent conjugate vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.