Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal disease is contagious, meaning it spreads from person to person. It can lead to different kinds of health problems — including serious infections in the lungs, lining of the brain and spinal cord, and blood.

Pneumococcal disease is especially dangerous for babies, older adults, and people with certain health conditions.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease.

Pneumococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria. Some people get the germs that cause pneumococcal disease, but don’t get sick. These people are called “carriers.” But others may get ear infections and sinus infections. And sometimes, pneumococcal disease can lead to serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, and sepsis.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause symptoms like:

• Fever and chills
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing

Older adults with pneumonia may also feel confused or have low alertness (not be fully aware of what’s happening around them).

Meningitis is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It can cause symptoms like:

• Fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Feeling confused

Babies may have other symptoms, like being less active than usual, fussing, throwing up, and not wanting to eat.

Bacteremia is an infection of the bloodstream that can cause symptoms like:

• Fever
• Chills
• Low alertness (not being fully aware of what's happening around you)

Sepsis is the body’s extreme reaction to an infection. It can cause symptoms like:

• Fast heart rate or low blood pressure
• Fever, chills, or feeling very cold
• Feeling confused
• Shortness of breath
• Severe pain or discomfort

Pneumococcal bacteria spread through droplets in the air — like when someone who has the bacteria in their nose or throat coughs or sneezes. Learn more about pneumococcal disease.

All infants, young children, and adults aged 50 years and older need to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease.

Pneumococcal vaccines are also recommended for people who:

• Have long-term health conditions, like heart disease or asthma
• Have weakened immune systems
• Smoke cigarettes

You should not get a pneumococcal vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to that particular pneumococcal vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine.

Be sure to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated if you:

• Have serious allergies of any kind
• Are pregnant

If you’re sick, you may need to wait until you’re feeling better to get a pneumococcal vaccine.

Side effects from pneumococcal vaccines are usually mild and go away in a few days.

PCV15 or PCV20 vaccine

In adults, side effects of the PCV15 vaccine may include:

• Pain, swelling, or redness where the vaccine was given
• Fever
• Not feeling hungry
• Feeling tired
• Headache

Side effects in children may include:

• Redness or swelling where the vaccine was given
• Drowsiness
• Not wanting to eat
• Mild fever
• Fussing

Young children who get the PCV15 or PCV20 vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine could be at increased risk for seizures (sudden, unusual movements or behavior) caused by fever.

PPSV23 vaccine

Side effects of the PPSV23 vaccine may include:

• Pain or redness where the vaccine was given
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Feeling tired

Like any medicine, there’s a very small chance that pneumococcal vaccines could cause a serious reaction. Keep in mind that getting a pneumococcal vaccine is much safer than getting pneumococcal disease. Learn more about vaccine side effects.

Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) have detailed information about recommended vaccines. Read the VISs for vaccines that protect against pneumococcal disease:

• Read the VIS for the PCV15 or PCV23 vaccine
• Read the VIS for the PPSV23 vaccine