A pneumococcal vaccine is an injectable treatment administered to patients to help prevent pneumococcal diseases, such as pneumonia or meningitis. There are two types of this vaccine: conjugate and polysaccharide. The conjugate pneumococcal vaccine is recommended primarily for children under age two. The polysaccharide vaccine is recommended for adults over age 65 and people over age two who have compromised immune systems due to medical conditions such as kidney failure or leukemia. Before receiving this immunization, patients should be aware of the risks of a pneumococcal vaccine.
Reaction at Injection Site
Children and adults who receive a pneumococcal vaccine can develop a skin reaction at the injection site. Approximately half of patients who receive either form of this immunization develop redness or tenderness at the site of treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Certain people can also experience pain, swelling or inflammation at the injection site. Injection site reaction risks of a pneumococcal vaccine are typically minor and subside within a few days of immunization.
Fever, Fatigue or Irritability
The risk of fever is higher in children who receive either of the pneumococcal vaccines, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. A fever can cause skin flushing, sweating or chills in affected patients. This vaccine can also cause patients to feel unusually drowsy or tired shortly after receiving a pneumococcal vaccination. Young patients can become abnormally fussy or irritable after treatment, though such complications are typically quick to resolve. Approximately 1 percent of treated children develop high fever symptoms, according to CHOP health experts, and should be taken to a doctor for further evaluation as soon as possible.
Vomiting or Loss of Appetite
Children who receive the conjugate form of the pneumococcal vaccine may be at risk of developing upset stomach side effects. These stomach related symptoms can include vomiting or decreased appetite, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Allergic Reaction
Certain people who receive a pneumococcal vaccine are at risk of experiencing a severe allergic reaction following immunization. Symptoms of allergic reactions require prompt medical attention and can include pale skin, dizziness, wheezing, hives, increased heart rate or hoarseness, according to the CDC.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine - What You Need to Know
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine - What You Need to Know
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: A Look at Each Vaccine - Pneumococcus Vaccine
- Family Doctor: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine - What a Parent Needs to Know
- World Health Organization: Pneumococcal Vaccines
