Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPV23) vaccine

• The PPV23 vaccine is recommended and provided free to people who are at high risk of getting sick from pneumococcal infections. These people include:
  • seniors 65 years and older;
  • residents of any age living in long-term care homes or assisted living facilities;
  • people 2 years of age and older who have certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors that put them at high risk for pneumococcal disease, such as diabetes or chronic heart or lung disease.
• A 2nd dose of vaccine is recommended for people with certain medical conditions. Speak with your health care provider to find out if a 2nd dose is needed and when to get it.  

Pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine

• Healthy infants and children 8 weeks to 59 months of age 

Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine

• Children 8 weeks to 59 months of age with factors that place them at higher risk of IPD and immunocompromising conditions 
• Children less than 18 years of age with IPD risk factors who have already completed a series of Pneumo-C-13 
• Adults 18-49 years of age with immunocompromising conditions 
• Adults 50-64 years of age with factors that place them at higher risk of IPD and and immunocompromising conditions
• Adults 65 years of age and older

• Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria called pneumococcus and can cause many different types of infections.
• The bacteria can cause ear and sinus infections to more serious and potentially fatal infections of the blood (bacteremia), lungs (pneumonia), or lining of the brain (meningitis).
• Pneumococcal disease is easily spread through sneezing, coughing or from direct contact with saliva, such as when people share food or drinks.
• For every 4 children who get sick with pneumococcal meningitis, 1 may die.

• This vaccines are safe and very effective.
• The pneumococcal vaccines are the best way to protect against pneumococcal infection and its complications.
• When you or your child get vaccinated, you help protect the spread to others too.
• This vaccination is free in the Yukon to the groups listed above.

• Common reactions to the immunization may include redness, tenderness, and swelling at the injection site. Some may develop a fever, headache, fatigue, or digestive problems. These are generally mild and last 1-2 days. 
• Side effects of the immunization are easily relieved by: Applying a cold/damp compress to the site, administering a pain-relieving medication such as acetaminophen if needed. Talk to health care provider if your symptoms are severe or last longer than 48 hours.
• It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any immunization because there is a rare possibility of developing a severe allergic reaction which is treatable at the clinic. This happens to fewer than 1 in 1 million people. If it happens after you leave the clinic, call 911 or the local emergency number.