Pneumonia Vaccine Side Effects

Pneumonia is a respiratory disease characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma, with congestion caused by viruses or bacteria or irritants. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is streptococcus pneumoniae. Signs and symptoms of pneumonia include shivering, fever, pain in the chest, shallow breathing and excessive coughing. The people that are at a high risk of contracting pneumonia are people older than 65 years of age and children below 2 years of age. Today, there are two vaccines available to prevent pneumococcal diseases - pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. But the most important question that needs to be taken into consideration is 'What are pneumonia vaccine side effects?'

Pneumococcal Vaccination

The best way of pneumonia prevention is immunization with pneumonia vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine is injected as a liquid solution of 0.5 ml into the muscle or under the skin. Of the two types of vaccines, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is a part of the routine immunization schedule for infants under 2 years of age, while the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is given to adults who are at an added risk of developing pneumonia, especially people over 65 years of age, people who have diabetes, or those with a chronic heart or lung infection. If you are over 65 years of age, and it has been five years or more since the first dose of your vaccination, it is important to get vaccinated at the earliest. This is because people who are over 65 years of age are two to three times more susceptible than others of contracting pneumonia.

Pneumonia Vaccination Side Effects

A recent study by the National Institute of Health states that the pneumonia vaccine prevents most cases of pneumonia. Some people believe that administering the pneumonia vaccine will result in contracting pneumonia . However it is not so, as the vaccine is not a live vaccine. Along with the required effects, all vaccines have side effects. They are usually minor and temporary. However, in rare cases, pneumonia vaccine side effects are serious, like allergic reactions which cause breathing difficulties, tachycardia, dizziness, throat swelling, and at times, even behavioral changes.

There are some general side effects caused by most vaccines like pain, redness, swelling or a small lump at the site of the injection. These side effects usually resolve in a few days. Other side effects include fever, headache, muscle aches and pains or a rash. Only in rare cases (about one in a million) does a vaccine cause serious side effects like an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This is easy to identify, as it begins moments after the vaccination is administered and includes distinct symptoms such as hives, rashes, swelling of the lips and even severe anxiety.

The following are notable side effects of the pneumonia vaccine:

• Common side effects from pneumonia vaccine include redness, soreness, a hard lump, swelling or pain at the site of injection. These pneumonia shot side effects can occur with the administration of any vaccine, and do not need medical attention unless they continue for a long period of time.
• Some other rare side effects for a pneumovax shot are aches or pain in joints or muscles, fever, skin rash, swollen glands, unusual tiredness or weakness. You should consult a doctor if these symptoms occur.
• Another one of pneumonia vaccine side effects is having high fever (around 102 degree Fahrenheit). If this occurs, it is necessary to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Pneumonia shot side effects like allergic reactions occur only in rare cases. This can be life threatening and should be taken seriously.

It is not necessary that everyone suffers from some or the other side effects of the vaccine. Also, treatments for pneumonia shot side effects are not always necessary, as they usually subside on their own. Only if a side effect lasts longer than five days is it necessary to consult a doctor. Though pneumonia vaccine is considered to be safe, it is best if only those people who are at a risk of acquiring it get vaccinated.

Pneumonia can be a life threatening condition, especially for elderly people, children and those with weak immune systems. Thus, it is better to take precautions in such cases. After all, the pneumonia vaccine side effects are far less as compared to pneumonia symptoms themselves!