Pneumococcal - NEU-mo-KOK-al vaccine polyvalent is an active immunizing agent using to prevent infection by pneumococcal bacteria. It works by causing your body to produce its own protection - antibodies against the disease.
The following information applies only to the polyvalent 23 pneumococcal vaccine. Other polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines may be available in countries other than the USA
Pneumococcal infection can cause serious problems, such as pneumonia, which effects the lungs; meningitis, which effects the brain; bacteremia, which is a severe infection in the blood; and possibly death. These problems are more likely to occur in older adults and people with certain diseases or conditions that make them more susceptible to a pneumococcal infection or more apt to develop serious problems from a pneumococcal infection.
Unless otherwise contraindicated, immunization against pneumococcal disease is recommended for all adults and children 2 years of age and older, especially:
Immunization against pneumococcal infection is not recommended for infants and children younger than 2 years of age, because these people can't produce enough antibodies to the vaccine to protect them against a pneumococcal infection.
Pneumococcal vaccine usually is given only once to each person. Additional injections are not given, except in special cases, because of the possibility of more frequent and more severe side effects.
This vaccine is to be aplaying only by or under the supervision of your family doctor or other health care professional. It is available in the following dosage form:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In Canada