Pneumovax 23 Side Effects

Generic name: pneumococcal 23-polyvalent vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Pneumovax 23 Side Effects associated with pneumococcal 23-polyvalent vaccine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Pneumovax 23.

Applies to pneumococcal 23-polyvalent vaccine: injection injectable.

Serious side effects of Pneumovax 23

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Other side effects of Pneumovax 23

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
• Headache.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Muscle pain.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to pneumococcal 23-polyvalent vaccine: injectable solution.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were fever and injection site reactions.^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Pain/soreness/tenderness (77.2%), swelling/induration (39.8%), erythema (34.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, ecchymosis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Injection site cellulitis
• Postmarketing reports: Warmth at injection site, decreased limb mobility, peripheral edema in injected extremity^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (18.1%)
• Frequency not reported: Cerebrovascular accident, lumbar radiculopathy
• Postmarketing reports: Paresthesia, radiculoneuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, febrile convulsion^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Asthenia/fatigue (17.9%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fever
• Frequency not reported: Alcohol intoxication
• Postmarketing reports: Malaise, increased C-reactive protein^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (17.3%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Chills, neck pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Back pain
• Postmarketing reports: Arthralgia, arthritis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea
• Frequency not reported: Ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis
• Postmarketing reports: Vomiting^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory infection, pharyngitis^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactoid reactions, serum sickness, angioneurotic edema^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Postmarketing reports: Lymphadenitis, lymphadenopathy, thrombocytopenia in patients with stabilized idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic anemia in patients who have had other hematologic disorders, leukocytosis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Postmarketing reports: Cellulitis, rash, urticaria, cellulitis-like reactions, erythema multiforme^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Angina pectoris, heart failure, chest pain, myocardial infarction resulting in death^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Edema, diabetes^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary retention^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Prevnar 20 vs Pneumovax 23: Which vaccine is right for you?
• How long does a pneumonia vaccine shot last?

Further information

Pneumovax 23 side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer