Pneumovax Side Effects

In clinical studies, about 50 percent of people who got Pneumovax experienced pain, redness, warmth, or other reactions at the injection site. However, not everyone who receives the vaccine will have side effects. Pneumovax is generally well tolerated, but in rare cases, serious problems can occur. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop a high fever, unexplained rash, or any paralysis.

Pneumovax Vaccine Information

An Introduction to Pneumovax Side Effects

As with all vaccines, side effects are possible with Pneumovax^® (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine). However, not everyone who receives the vaccine will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Pneumovax. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)

Possible Side Effects of Pneumovax

Pneumovax has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials and has been used in many people. Based on information from trials, the most common Pneumovax side effects are injection site reactions, such as redness, pain, warmth, swelling, or a lump at the injection site. This type of side effect occurs in about 50 percent of people.

Other, less common side effects (occurring in less than 1 percent of people) included but were not limited to:

Fever and/or chills
Muscle aches
Infection at the injection site
Nausea or vomiting
Joint pain or muscle pain
Headaches
General weakness or a general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen arm and hand (if the vaccine is given in the arm)
Swollen leg and foot (if the vaccine is given in the thigh)
Arthritis.

(Pneumovax Side Effects Continued: Page 2)