What are the side effects of taking the pneumococcal vaccine?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mom is 46 years old. I wanted to ask about vaccines for my mom. She recently had pneumonia. I read somewhere that pneumococcal disease can be really dangerous if it happens again. She is pretty healthy otherwise but gets sick easily during winter. Are there different types of vaccines for this or just one? Is it something she would need yearly like the flu shot? I am a bit confused because her family doctor mentioned vaccines but did not give us much info. Do they have side effects we should know about?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your mom should consider pneumococcal vaccines to reduce the risk of recurrent pneumonia. Two types are available, such as PCV15/PCV20 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccines) and PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine). Adults over 19 years with risk factors often get PCV15/PCV20 first, followed by PPSV23 a year later.

Unlike flu shots, pneumococcal vaccines are not needed annually. It is usually a one-time dose or per the guidelines. The flu vaccine is also recommended yearly to prevent respiratory infections.

Side effects of vaccines are mild, like soreness at the injection site or low-grade fever.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach me again in case of further queries.

Thank you.