Medical Health Encyclopedia

Because the vaccine is inactive, it is safe for pregnant women and people with immune deficiencies. In fact, when the vaccine is administered to pregnant women, it may actually protect their infants against certain respiratory infections.

Protection lasts for over 6 years in most people, although the protective value may be lost at a faster rate in elderly people than in younger adults. Anyone at risk for serious pneumonia should be revaccinated 6 years after the first dose, including those who were vaccinated before age 65. Subsequent booster doses, however, are not recommended.

Typical Immunization Schedule

The recommended schedule of immunization for Prevnar (PCV7) is 4 doses, given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age. Infants starting immunization between 7 and 11 months should have 3 doses. Children starting their vaccinations between 12 and 23 months only need 2 doses. Those who are over 2 years old need only 1 dose.

Side Effects of the Pneumococcal Pneumonia Vaccine

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Side effects include pain and redness at the injection site, fever, and joint aches. Children are more likely to have fever within 48 hours if they receive other vaccines at the same time and also after the second dose. Rarely, such local reactions can be severe. Among severe reactions, about 38% involve neurological complications; others include seizures and death. Fortunately, severe reactions are very rare, even if a person is mistakenly re-vaccinated before the effects of the first vaccination have worn off. Allergic reactions are also very rare.