Pneumovax (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Pneumovax

Prevention of Pneumococcal Infections Secondary To Seasonal and Swine Flu »

What is Pneumococcal Disease?

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). When these bacteria invade the lungs, they can cause pneumonia. They can also invade the bloodstream (bacteremia) and/or the tissues and fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Pneumococcal infection kills thousands of people in the United States each year, most of them 65 years of age or older.

What are the Symptoms of Pneumococcal Disease?

The symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. The symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis include stiff neck, fever, mental confusion and disorientation, and visual sensitivity to light (photophobia). The symptoms of pneumococcal bacteremia may be similar to some of the symptoms of pneumonia and meningitis, along with joint pain and chills.

Why is Prevention o...

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Pneumovax Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE - INJECTION

(NEU-mo-KOK-al)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pneumovax 23, Pnu-Imune 23

USES: This vaccine helps protect against serious infection (e.g., meningitis, bacteria in the blood) due to certain bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae). This vaccine is important for preventing infection in individuals at risk (e.g., those with heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, diabetes, alcoholism, spleen problems, sickle cell anemia, or HIV, or those living in a nursing home).

HOW TO USE: Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care provider before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your health care provider.

This vaccine is injected into a muscle or under the skin by a health care professional. When this vaccine is injected into a muscle, it is given in the upper arm or thigh.

You may need to have another dose of vaccine if you are still at high risk for infection. This is especially true if you are younger than 65 years old when you receive the first dose of this vaccine. A second dose should not be given until 5 years after your first dose. Ask your doctor for more details.

If you are receiving this vaccination before spleen surgery or before receiving cancer chemotherapy or other drugs that decrease your immune system function, it should be given at least 2 weeks before these procedures to be effective. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.