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 polysaccharides vaccine (PPSV) is used to help prevent disease caused by pneumococcal bacteria. This vaccine contains 23 different types of pneumococcal bacteria.

PPSV is for use in adults 50 years and older, and in people at least 2 years old who have an increased risk of developing pneumococcal disease due to certain medical conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends this vaccine in adults 65 years and older even if they had a pneumococcal vaccine before the age of 65.

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

Like any vaccine, pneumococcal polysaccharides 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 vaccine.

Tell the vaccination provider if you or the child has:

• 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.

Use Pneumococcal Polysaccharides Vaccine (PPSV), 23-Valent(Injectable) 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.

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Keep track of all side effects you have. If you need a booster dose, 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.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• wheezing, trouble breathing;
• chest pain;
• severe stomach pain, severe vomiting or diarrhea;
• tremors, muscle stiffness; or
• painful or difficult urination.

Common side effects may include:

• pain, warmth, swelling, redness, or a hard lump where a shot was given;
• muscle pain;
• headache; or
• feeling weak or 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.

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