Pneumovax, also known as pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent, is a vaccine used to prevent pneumococcal disease caused by the streptococcus pneumonia bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Pneumoccal disease can lead to pneumonia, bacteremia (blood infection) or meningitis (brain infection). Pneumovax is available to anyone, but the CDC recommends you obtain pneumovax if you are 65 years or older, have a weakened immune system (defense system in your body that fights infection), smoke or have certain diseases such as HIV or nephrotic syndrome (kidney disease). Before you obtain the pneumovax vaccine, you should know about its possible side effects.
Common Side Effects
The Pneumovax vaccine is injected intramuscularly (into your muscle) from your epidermis (outer layer of skin), into your dermis (middle layer), subdermis (inner layer) and muscle. This minor trauma can lead to such localized side effects as redness, swelling, soreness or pain at the injection site, according to Drug Information Online. This usually disappears within 5 days.
Allergic Reaction
You may also have an adverse allergic response to the pneumovax vaccine. According to Drug Information Online, users may experience trouble breathing or swallowing, itchiness of the hands and feet, hives, sudden fatigue, weakness, redness and swelling of the face and eyes.
Rare Side Effects
The Centers for Disease Control states that a high fever, muscles aches and behavioral problems are rare side effects to the pneumovax vaccine. Each person responds differently to pneumovax, so you may experience a side effect not listed here.
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