What are the side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine?

Question

Hello doctor,

Can you tell me more about the vaccines for pneumococcal disease? My dad is 65 years old and, as far as I know, has not received any vaccines for this. Which ones are recommended for someone his age? He also has a history of diabetes and kidney issues. Should he get the Pneumovax vaccine first or the Prevnar vaccine? Can these vaccines cause side effects, and what are the common ones?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The two main pneumococcal vaccines are:

Prevnar 13 (PCV13): Protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria. It is typically given first.
Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23): Protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. It is given after Prevnar 13, typically one year later for adults aged 65 and older.

Given his medical history, your father should receive both vaccines, starting with Prevnar 13, followed by Pneumovax 23 a year later. Side effects are generally mild and can include redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. These side effects typically resolve within a few days. In case of severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, he should seek medical attention immediately.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.