Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria. Some people get the germs that cause pneumococcal disease, but don’t get sick — these people are called “carriers.” But others may get ear infections and sinus infections. And sometimes, pneumococcal disease can lead to serious infections like:

• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
• Bacteremia (infection of the bloodstream)

Pneumonia can lead to symptoms like:

• Fever and chills
• Cough
• Chest pain

Meningitis can cause symptoms like:

• Fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Feeling confused
• Not wanting to eat or drink, being less active than usual, and throwing up (in babies)

Bacteremia can cause symptoms like:

• Fever
• Chills

Pneumococcal bacteria spread through droplets in the air — like when someone who has the bacteria in their nose or throat coughs or sneezes. Learn more about pneumococcal disease.

All infants, young children, and adults age 65 and older need to get the pneumococcal vaccine.

Pneumococcal vaccines are also recommended for people who:

• Have long-term health conditions, like heart disease or asthma
• Have weakened immune systems
• Smoke cigarettes

PCV13 vaccine

The PCV13 vaccine is recommended for:

• All adults age 65 and older (1 dose)
• All children younger than 2 years (4 doses)
• Young children and adults ages 2 through 64 years who have certain health conditions (doses may vary)

PPSV23 vaccine

The PPSV23 vaccine is recommended for:

• All adults age 65 and older (1 dose)
• Children and adults ages 2 through 64 years who have certain health conditions, including a weakened immune system (1 dose)
• Adults ages 19 through 64 who smoke cigarettes (doses may vary)

Talk with your doctor about how to protect your family from pneumococcal disease.

You should not get a pneumococcal vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to that particular pneumococcal vaccine or any ingredient in it.

Be sure to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated if you:

• Have serious allergies of any kind
• Are pregnant

If you’re sick, you may need to wait until you’re feeling better to get a pneumococcal vaccine.

Side effects from pneumococcal vaccines are usually mild and go away in a few days.

PCV13 vaccine

In adults, side effects of the PCV13 vaccine may include:

• Pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given
• Fever
• Not feeling hungry
• Feeling tired
• Headache

Side effects in children may include:

• Redness or swelling where the shot was given
• Drowsiness
• Not wanting to eat
• Mild fever
• Fussing

Young children who get the PCV13 vaccine at the same time as the flu shot could be at increased risk for seizures (sudden, unusual movements or behavior) caused by fever.

PPSV23 vaccine

Side effects of the PPSV23 vaccine may include:

• Pain or redness where the shot was given
• Fever
• Muscle aches

Like any medicine, there’s a very small chance that pneumococcal vaccines could cause a serious reaction. Keep in mind that getting a pneumococcal vaccine is much safer than getting pneumococcal disease. Learn more about vaccine side effects.

Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) have detailed information about recommended vaccines. Read the VISs for vaccines that protect against pneumococcal disease:

• PCV13 vaccine
• PPSV23 vaccine

Find the VISs for these vaccines in other languages.