Pneumovax Vaksine

Pneumovax 23 Vaccine: Everything You Need to Know

What is the Pneumovax 23 Vaccine?

Pneumovax 23 is a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine that protects against 23 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections.

Who should get the Pneumovax 23 Vaccine?

The CDC recommends that all adults 65 years and older and certain high-risk individuals get the Pneumovax 23 vaccine. High-risk individuals include those with:

• Chronic heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune systems
• History of stroke

How is the Pneumovax 23 Vaccine given?

The Pneumovax 23 vaccine is given as a single injection in the upper arm.

What are the side effects of the Pneumovax 23 Vaccine?

The most common side effects of the Pneumovax 23 vaccine are:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache

How effective is the Pneumovax 23 Vaccine?

The Pneumovax 23 vaccine is very effective in preventing serious pneumococcal infections. Studies have shown that the vaccine is about 95% effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease in adults 65 years and older.

What are the risks of not getting the Pneumovax 23 Vaccine?

People who do not get the Pneumovax 23 vaccine are at increased risk of developing serious pneumococcal infections. These infections can be life-threatening, especially in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

## Additional Information - [Pneumonia Prevention Vaccine Information (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/index.html) - [Pneumovax 23 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Polyvalent)](https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines/pneumovax-23-pneumococcal-polysaccharide-vaccine-polyvalent)