Pneumovax 23 Vaccine is used for prevention of diseases caused by pneumococcal bacteria such as pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections, and blood infections.

Introduction:
Pneumovax 23 Vaccine is a vaccine which helps develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness but stimulates the body's immune system to produce antibodies (proteins) to protect against any future infections.

Dosage Form:
Injection

Side Effects:

• No common side effects listed.

How to Use:
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self-administer.

How it Works:
Pneumovax 23 Vaccine is a vaccine which helps develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness but stimulates the body's immune system to produce antibodies (proteins) to protect against any future infections.

Quick Tips:

• Pneumovax 23 Vaccine is given to prevent invasive diseases caused by pneumococcal bacteria such as pneumonia, meningitis, ear, and blood infections.
• It is usually given as an injection into the muscle (intramuscular) of the upper arm.
• Only one dose is needed for most people. A booster dose can be given 5 years after the first dose.
• Inform your doctor if you have an infection with a high temperature as vaccination may need to be delayed until recovery.
• It may cause fever. Inform your doctor if it does not go away or if it gets higher than 102 degree Fahrenheit.

Interacting Drugs:

• Mycophenolate mofetil
• Azathioprine
• Mercaptopurine
• Ciclosporin

FAQs:

• Is Pneumovax 23 Vaccine a live virus vaccine?
  No, Pneumovax 23 Vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that does not contain a live virus. It is prepared from purified pneumococcal bacteria capsule, which protects against a majority of pneumococcal infections.


• What is the composition of Pneumovax 23 Vaccine?
  The Pneumovax 23 Vaccine contains long chains of polysaccharide (sugar) molecules that make up the surface capsule of the bacteria. These polysaccharides are the antigens that trigger the formation of antibodies which help in fighting against pneumococcal infections.


• Is Pneumovax 23 Vaccine safe for use?
  Yes, Pneumovax 23 Vaccine is very safe and has undergone years of testing before being licensed by health authorities. While it may cause slight pain and swelling at the injection site or mild fever in some individuals, these symptoms usually subside within a few days. If fever or discomfort persists, consult a doctor.


• How long does Pneumovax 23 Vaccine remain effective?
  A single dose of PPSV is usually sufficient, with a second dose not typically recommended until after 3 years of the first dose for healthy individuals. However, in people at increased risk of serious pneumococcal infections (such as those without a spleen), a second dose may be considered between 3-5 years after the first dose.


• Can Pneumovax 23 Vaccine be administered prior to or after certain medical procedures?
  It is recommended that Pneumovax 23 Vaccine should preferably be given two weeks prior to planned spleen removal or initiation of chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive treatment. Vaccination during chemotherapy or radiation therapy should be avoided, and the response to the vaccine may remain diminished following completion of such therapy.


• Can Pneumovax 23 Vaccine be administered with seasonal influenza vaccine?
  Yes, Pneumovax 23 Vaccine can be given with influenza vaccine or other vaccines but using a different syringe and at a different site. Most people are able to respond to both vaccines at the same time.


• Can an individual receive Pneumovax 23 Vaccine if they are not feeling well on the day of vaccination?
  If you have a minor illness such as a common cold, then you can receive the vaccine. However, if you have an infection with high fever or some other long-standing illness, then vaccination should be taken only after you recover.