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 21-valent conjugate vaccine is used in adults to help prevent disease caused by pneumococcal bacteria. This vaccine contains 21 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 21-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.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• 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.

Use Pneumococcal 21-Valent Conjugate Vaccine (Intramuscular) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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 21-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, swelling, or redness where a shot was given;
• muscle pain;
• headache;
• fever; or
• feeling tired.

Call your doctor if your these side effects do not improve after 3 days or if you have any unusual symptoms after the vaccine.

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.

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