The Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (cont.)

What if There is a Severe Reaction?

What Should I Look For?

Any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include diffi culty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weak- ness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.

What Should I Do?

• Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away.
• Tell the doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.
• Ask your provider to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form. Or you can file this report through the VAERS website at www.vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling 1-800-822-7967.

VAERS does not provide medical advice.

What is the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?

A federal program exists to help pay for the care of anyone who has a serious reaction to a vaccine.

For more information about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, call 1-800-338-2382 or visit their website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation.

How Can I Learn More?

• Ask your provider. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information.
• Call your local or state health department.
• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

- Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or
- Visit CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

SOURCES:

Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control

Last Editorial Review: 11/17/2009 3:50:00 PM

SOURCES:

Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control