How does it work?

This vaccine contains extracts from 23 of the most common types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, the bacteria most commonly responsible for causing pneumonia. It works by provoking the body's immune response, without causing the disease. When the body is exposed to foreign organisms, the immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies are specific to the infecting agent and their first function is to help the body recognise and kill the foreign organisms. The antibodies formed remain in the body and recognise and attack any future infection with the same organism. This is known as immunity. Protection against many infections can be provided artificially by means of vaccines derived from altered forms of infecting organisms. These vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies in the same way as genuine infection, without actually causing the disease. As the organisms stimulate the production of a specific type of antibody, a different vaccine must be used for each disease. The pneumococcal vaccine provides immunity against pneumococcal pneumonia. This vaccine is not given routinely. It is only given to those individuals in whom there is an increased risk of pneumonia, and where contracting the disease may give rise to dangerous complications. This includes the elderly, people with chronic illnesses such as asthma and heart disease, those with a weakened immune system, including people with HIV infection, and those who have had their spleens removed. Some vaccines remain effective for a lifetime while others have to be updated after a few years. With the pneumococcal vaccine, one dose is usually enough, although revaccination is sometimes recommended for those at highest risk of infection, and for those whose antibody levels have shown a rapid decline.

What is it used for?

Vaccination against pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae

Warning!

Revaccination can cause severe adverse reactions and is not recommended unless the patient is considered to be at high risk of catching the infection. Such people should not, however, be revaccinated within 3 three years.

People whose immune system is underactive, for example due to diseases such as HIV or AIDS, or treatment with immunosuppressant medicines such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids, may not produce an adequate immune response to this vaccine. For further advice talk to your doctor.

Use with caution in

Severe decrease in the ability of the heart or lungs to function

Sudden feverish illness

Not to be used in

Breast feeding

Children under 2 years of age

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Fever (pyrexia)

Inflammation of one or more joints (arthritis)

An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Swollen glands (lymph nodes)

Pain in the joints (arthralgia)

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Redness around injection site

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

Itchy rash (urticaria)

Local pain and swelling at the site of injection

A general feeling of being unwell (malaise)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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