Pneumovax (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug 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 Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax)?

Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction after receiving a dose of PPV should not get another dose.

People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. Those who are moderately or severely ill or have a fever should usually wait until they recover before getting pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.

Before receiving PPV, talk to your doctor if you:

are over the age of 65 years and if the first dose was given when you were younger than 65 and 5 or more years have passed since that dose;
have HIV or AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system;
are taking a medication that affects the immune system (e.g. steroids, anti-rejection medications);
have had an organ or bone marrow transplant;
have cancer;
are receiving cancer treatment with x-rays, radiation, or medication;
have a damaged spleen or no spleen;
have sickle-cell disease; or
have kidney failure or nephrotic syndrome.

A second dose of the vaccine may be recommended in some cases.

Talk to your doctor before receiving pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

How is pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine administered (Pneumovax)?

Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will administer the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine as an injection.

Most people need only one dose of PPV.

A second dose may be recommended for some individuals. Your healthcare provider will determine if a second dose is needed and when it should be given.

Otherwise healthy children who often get ear infection, sinus infection, or other upper respiratory diseases do not need to get PPV because of these conditions.

Your doctor may recommend reducing fever or pain that may occur by taking an aspirin-free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, others) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others) when the shot is given and for the next 24 hours. Your healthcare provider can tell you the appropriate dosages of these medications.

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