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Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health measure.
The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. The vaccine is approved by Health Canada.
The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is not part of the routine schedule of childhood immunizations. For information on the routine pneumococcal vaccine for children, see BC HealthFile #62a Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV 7) Vaccine.
Some people are at high risk of getting sick from pneumococcal infections. The vaccine is provided free to these people, including:
The vaccine is also provided free to persons 2 years of age and older with certain medical conditions. People with the following conditions should receive one dose or shot of the vaccine, including those who have:
* People in these groups should receive a second dose of vaccine several years after the first dose. Speak with your public health nurse or doctor about when to receive the second dose of vaccine.
It is important to keep a record of all immunizations received.
The vaccine is the best way to protect against pneumococcal infection, a serious and sometimes fatal disease. When you get vaccinated, you help protect others as well.
Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get pneumococcal disease.
Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, redness and swelling where the shot was given. Headache and mild fever may also occur. These reactions are mild and generally last 1 to 2 days.
| Acetaminophen or Tylenol® can be given for fever or soreness. ASA or Aspirin® should NOT be given to anyone under 20 years of age due to the risk of Reye Syndrome. |
It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine because there is an extremely rare possibility of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. If this happens after you leave the clinic, call 911 or the local emergency number. This reaction can be treated, and occurs in less than one in a million people who get the vaccine.
Report serious or unexpected reactions to your public health nurse or doctor.
Speak with a public health nurse or doctor if you have had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of pneumococcal vaccine, or any component of the vaccine including phenol. Children under 2 years of age should not receive the vaccine.
Pneumococcal infection is caused by a germ (or bacteria). It can cause serious and life-threatening infections including meningitis, an infection of the lining that covers the brain, and septicemia, an infection of the blood. For every 20 people who get sick, up to 5 will die. Permanent complications of infection include brain damage and deafness.
Pneumococcal infection is spread from one person to another by coughing, sneezing or close face-to-face contact. It can also be spread through saliva or spit. This can occur through activities such as kissing, or sharing of food, drinks, cigarettes, lipsticks, water bottles, mouth guards used for sports, or mouthpieces of musical instruments.
Effort is made to seek parental or guardian consent prior to immunization. Children under the age of 19 who are able to understand the risks and benefits may consent to or refuse immunizations, regardless of the parent’s or guardian’s wishes. It is recommended that parents/guardians and their minor children discuss immunizations beforehand, and ask the nurse or doctor any questions.
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