Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious infections.
The Pneu-P-23 vaccine protects against infection caused by 23 types of the pneumococcus bacteria, Streptococcus pneumonia.
What are pneumococcal infections?
Pneumonia can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus is a bacteria that can invade the lungs and cause bacterial pneumonia. The bacteria can also invade blood cells and cause bacteraemia (an infection of the blood) or meningitis (an infection of the membranes and fluid covering the brain and spinal cord).
Healthy people often have pneumococcal bacteria in their mouths and respiratory tracts. In most people this bacteria will not cause acute illness. However, these diseases are very serious and can be fatal in the elderly and people with high risk medical conditions.
Who should get the vaccine?
It is recommended for all people over 65 years of age and all residents of nursing homes, homes for the aged and chronic care facilities or wards. It can also be given to anyone less than or equal to 2 years of age who have certain high-risk medical conditions.
There is an additional pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar 13) that is recommended for all children, which is given as part of the routine infant series of immunizations. Children _ 2 years of age with certain high risk conditions should receive both the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar 13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.
For most people only one dose of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is necessary. Some individuals with certain medical conditions may require a second dose. Consult with your health care provider.
People who get the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine should also get the flu vaccine annually. Both can be safely given at the same visit.
This vaccine should not be given at the same visit as Herpes Zoster vaccine. A one month interval is recommended between the two vaccines.
How well does the vaccine work?
The Pneu-P-23 vaccine prevents infections caused by the 23 types of the streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria included in the vaccine in 50 to 80% of people who receive it.
No vaccine is 100% effective however, if someone does develop an pneumococcal infection caused by one of the 23 strains that the vaccine protects against after receiving the vaccine, it is usually a milder case than those in people who are not vaccinated.
Who should not get this vaccine?
A health care provider may decide not to give this vaccine to:
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Anyone with a high fever or serious infection worse than a cold. They should delay having the vaccine until they are better.
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Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to this vaccine in the past or who is allergic to any component of the vaccine:
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Pneumo 23® contains: purified streptococcus pneumoniae polysaccharides, phenol (as a preservative), sodium chloride, disodium phosphate, monosodium phosphate.
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Pneumovax® 23 contains: capsular polysaccharides, sodium chloride, phenol as a preservative.
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Children under 2 years of age.
What are the side effects of this vaccine?
The Pneu-P-23 vaccine is safe and side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild pain, redness and swelling where the needle was given. Some people may also develop a fever, headache or fatigue. Serious side effects are rare.
This is not a complete list of side effects. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any vaccine with a health care provider.
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken following immunization to reduce discomfort or fever. Always follow package directions.
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) must not be given to children under 18 years of age.
Is there an alternative to the vaccine?
There are no other treatments to prevent this disease.
Covering the nose and mouth during coughing or sneezing can help reduce the spread of disease.
Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop bacteria and viruses from spreading. To wash hands properly, rub all parts of the hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or if your hands are not visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol based hand rub.
When should I seek medical attention?
Call your health care provider, go to the nearest hospital or call 911 if any of the following occur within three days of getting the vaccine:
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High fever (over 40C or 104F)
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Hives
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Swelling of the face or mouth
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Trouble breathing
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Very pale colour and serious drowsiness
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Convulsions or seizures
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Any other unexpected effects
If medical attention was required, please notify the health unit.
What else do I need to know?
After you or your child receive a vaccine, update the mmunization record (Yellow Card). Keep it in a safe place.
The health unit is required to keep immunization records on file for all children enrolled in a day nursery or school. If your child receives immunizations from your health care provider, you can update your child’s record in any one of the following ways:
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Fax a copy to 705-721-1495
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Mail a copy to: VPD Program, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie ON, L4M 6K9
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Drop off a copy at any one of our offices
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Call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or -877-721-7520 (toll-free)
A confidential electronic database stores this information and it is available to you on request. It is important to note that health care providers do not routinely provide this information to the health unit.
