Possible Side Effects Of The Pneumonia Vaccine

Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs, causing the tiny air sacs to become filled with pus and fluid. It is a serious illness that can be fatal in some people. 

Vaccines have been developed against pneumonia to help prevent people from contracting the infection. These have been rigorously tested and are safe and effective for most people.

However, like all medications and other vaccines, there are possible side effects. Most side effects of the pneumonia vaccine are mild and temporary. In rare cases, people can have a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine. 

What is the pneumonia vaccine?

Two types of pneumonia vaccines are currently available for people in the United States. These are:

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20)

• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)

Pneumonia vaccines are recommended¹ for all children under the age of five and all adults over 65. Adults and children outside of these age ranges who have underlying medical conditions, or other risk factors that increase their chance of getting very sick with pneumonia, may also be recommended to get the pneumonia vaccine. 

Vaccination is important because it can reduce the risk of people becoming infected with pneumonia, and it helps to prevent it from spreading between people. 

Side effects of the pneumonia vaccine

For most people, the pneumonia vaccine is very safe and effective, so the benefits of vaccinating against pneumonia outweigh any risks of side effects. 

However, there are some side effects to be aware of. The PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines have a similar rate² of side effects experienced. But not everyone will encounter these. 

Mild side effects

Most side effects of the pneumonia vaccine are mild and only last between two to three days. 

PCV vaccines

Some of the possible mild side effects of the PCV vaccines can include:

• A reaction at the injection site. This can cause redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness, and arm movement may be limited. This cluster of side effects can happen with any vaccine. It is the most common side effect of the pneumonia vaccine, affecting 50% of people.

• A fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (only experienced by less than 5%³ of people) 

• Loss of appetite

• Irritability in adults and fussiness in children 

• Tiredness

• Headache

• Muscle aches and joint pain

• Chills 

• Weakness 

• Vomiting 

• Increased or decreased sleep in babies and children 

Some people receive the pneumonia vaccine simultaneously with the flu vaccine. It is thought that this might increase the risk of young children having a febrile seizure (a type of seizure caused by a fever). 

PPSV vaccine

Some of the possible mild side effects of the PPSV vaccine include:

• Redness, swelling, and pain where the vaccine was injected

• Tiredness

• Fever

• Muscle aches 

• Headache

How to treat these side effects

Most of these side effects go away on their own. You can manage the symptoms with:

• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen 

• Regular intake of fluids

• A cool compress applied to the skin 

Severe side effects

It is very rare to experience severe side effects after getting the pneumonia vaccine.

Allergic reaction

Some people are at a greater risk of experiencing anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction) after being vaccinated. This reaction usually comes on very quickly, within a few minutes to hours after getting the vaccine. 

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Confusion

• Fast heart rate

• Shortness of breath 

• Feeling light-headed 

• Developing a rash or hives on the skin

• Swelling of the face and throat 

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires rapid treatment.

If you think you might be allergic to the pneumonia vaccine, you should speak to your doctor to determine whether it will be safe for you to receive it. You might be allergic if:

• You have had an allergic reaction to a pneumonia vaccine in the past

• You have had an allergic reaction to a different vaccine in the past that contains an ingredient called diphtheria toxoid

• You have another life-threatening allergy

After getting the pneumonia vaccine, you should wait 15 minutes to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction. 

The lowdown

The side effects of the pneumonia vaccine are usually mild, short-lasting, and typically resolve independently without medical intervention. An allergic reaction to the vaccine is rare but possible and requires prompt medical attention. 

For most people, the possible side effects of the pneumonia vaccine are much milder than the symptoms and effects of developing pneumonia. Getting vaccinated can also prevent pneumonia from spreading between people. 

If you have any concerns about the vaccine, you should speak to a trusted person, such as your doctor.