The pneumonia vaccine--also called pneumococcal conjugate vaccine--is recommended for nearly everyone, but especially for children and adults who have other health conditions that could lead to serious complications if pneumonia is contracted, Drugs.com says. By receiving the vaccine, the person can reduce the risk of getting sick when exposed to the infectious agents responsible for pneumonia. Side effects of the pneumonia shot are minimal, with serious side effects occurring rarely.
Injection Side Effects
The most likely side effects of the pneumonia vaccine occur as a result of the injection of the needle itself. Drugs.com lists redness, soreness, swelling, pain and the development of a lump as the common injection effects. The injection is given in the muscle tissue of the arm or the thigh, which can result in a bruise-like feeling.
Illness-like Side Effects
Mild to moderate symptoms resembling an illness can develop after two to three days, but it's not a very common reaction to the vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These symptoms can include a fever below 101 degrees F, muscle aches, pain in the joints, skin rash, swollen glands, fatigue, weakness and a general feeling of discomfort throughout the body.
Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction to the pneumonia shot is severe and rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Indications of this type of side effect include trouble breathing; difficulty swallowing; raised, rash patches on the skin called hives; skin reddening; facial swelling; sudden weakness or severe fatigue, as indicated by Drugs.com. These symptoms require medical treatment, because they can lead to suffocation if the airways close.
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