Pneumonia Vaccine Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Seek Help

Pneumonia vaccines are a powerful defense against serious lung infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. They’re especially important for infants, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions. While these vaccines are generally safe and effective, you may experience some mild and temporary side effects.

This article explains the types of pneumonia vaccines available, the pneumonia vaccine side effects to expect, and how to manage them, so you’re prepared before and after getting the shot.

Available Pneumonia Vaccines

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these are the available pneumonia vaccines or pneumococcal vaccines in the USA:

1. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV)

The FDA has approved the following pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for different groups:

Prevnar 13 (PCV13):

• Primarily approved for children, but also used for adults.

• Protects against 13 kinds of pneumococcal bacteria.

Vaxneuvance (PCV15):

• Approved in 2021 for children and in 2022 for adults.

• Fight off 15 types of pneumococcal bacteria.

Prevnar20 (PCV20):

• Approved in 2023 for children 6 weeks and above.

• Protects from 20 kinds of pneumococcal bacteria.

Capvaxive (PCV21):

• Approved in 2024 for adults 19 and over.

• Protects from 21 kinds of pneumococcal bacteria.

2. Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23):

• Approved in 1983 for adults above 65 years and those with chronic conditions.

• Protects from 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.

Pneumonia Vaccine Side Effects You Should Be Aware of

Most people experience only mild, short-lived side effects. These are signs your immune system is responding to the vaccine.

More Common Side Effects

These side effects are mild and last for a temporary period, that is, for 1-2 days:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site: These symptoms can occur at the injection area, typically in the upper arm.

• Mild fever: Fewer than 1% of individuals develop a fever above 100.4 Fahrenheit or 38.0 Celsius.

• Fatigue or tiredness: Feeling exhausted or a lack of energy after getting the shot.

• Headache: Throbbing headache in one part of the skull or felt in the whole head.

• Muscle pain: Muscle aches can occur after getting the PPSV23 vaccine. But only 1% of people experience it.

Less Common Side Effects

Some individuals might experience less visible side effects, though they are mild:

• Loss of appetite: This may make you feel nauseous at the time of eating food, or you may not feel hungry.

• Irritability (particularly in children): This leads to feelings of frustration or upset, and in children to "fussiness".

• Chills: Feeling cold without an obvious reason.

Rare but Serious Side Effects (Seek Emergency Help)

Serious side effects such as severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) are very rare, but can occur (in 1 out of 1 million people). Seek emergency medical help or call 911 right away if you or your child experiences the following symptoms of an allergic reaction to the pneumonia vaccine:

• Difficulty breathing

• Rashes or hives

• Swelling of the throat or face

• Rapid heartbeat

• Dizziness

• Anxiety

• Confusion

Side Effects of Pneumonia Vaccine in Babies

The babies get the PCV13 pneumococcal or pneumonia vaccine in 4 doses. The first dose is basically given at 2 months, and the other 3 doses are given at 4 months, 6 months, and then between 12-15 months.

Common Side Effects in Infants:

• Fussiness or irritability

• Tenderness, redness, swelling, or discoloration at the injection site

• Low appetite

• Disrupted sleep

• Drowsiness or sleepiness

• Mild fever

When to Call the Pediatrician:

• High fever

• Convulsions (seizures)

• Skin rashes

What Parents Can Do:

This is how you can manage the following symptoms:

• Fever: Give cool drinks to drink and remove extra layers of clothes if they are wearing them.

• Tenderness, discoloration, swelling, or redness at the injection site: Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area.

• Fever and Pain: Give over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen as instructed on the product packaging. 

How Long Do Pneumonia Vaccine Side Effects Last?

• Most mild side effects of the pneumococcal or pneumonia vaccine, such as swelling, redness, and pain at the site of injection, typically last for 1-2 days.

• Systematic side effects, like headache, fatigue, fever, and muscle aches that occur throughout the body, usually resolve in 1 to 2 days.

• However, rare and severe allergic reactions that occur within some minutes of a shot need immediate medical attention. 

When to Call a Doctor After a Vaccine?

Consult a healthcare provider if:

• Side effects last for more than 2-3 days

• Symptoms start worsening over time

• Experience signs of allergic reactions like rashes, trouble breathing, swelling, and dizziness. 

• Your child feels dizzy or faints, or has vision changes or ear ringing.

Who Should and Shouldn’t Get the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

✅ People who should get vaccinated:

Here are the vaccine recommendations according to the CDC:

Children:

• All children above 5 years of age.

• Children 5 to 18 years of age with certain medical issues that may increase the risk of pneumococcal disease.

Adults:

• All adults above 50 years of age.

• Adults 19 to 49 years old with certain medical issues that may increase the risk of pneumococcal disease.

❌ People who shouldn’t get vaccinated:

People who shouldn't get PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21 vaccinations:

• Had a severe allergic reaction post any type of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

• Had a dangerous allergic reaction to the vaccines that contain diphtheria toxoid, such as the DTaP vaccine (protects against whooping cough (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)

• Are allergic to any ingredients of these vaccines

People who shouldn't get PPSV23 vaccinations:

• Are above 2 years old

• Had a severe allergic reaction after getting the shot of PPSV23 shot

• Are allergic to any ingredients of PPSV23.

Important Considerations:

• Always inform about your vaccination history and the vaccine's ingredients (you are allergic to any) to the vaccine providers, as you might not be suitable for a pneumococcal vaccine.

• Though vaccination is fine during a mild cold, vaccine providers can help with proper advice on whether to get a vaccine or wait till you don't feel better. 

Precautions Before Taking the Pneumonia Vaccine

Consider precautions in the following situations or conditions to avoid the risk of side effects or complications:

• Allergies: Avoid the pneumonia vaccine if you are allergic to this vaccination or any other medications. Inform the doctors about your allergies, like foods, preservatives, or dyes.

• Pregnancy: Neither PCV nor PPSV23 is recommended during pregnancy as there are no safe data about their impact on the fetus.

• Breastfeeding: No adequate studies are available that claim pneumonia vaccine-related risk to infants during breastfeeding. So, weigh the possible benefits against risks with the help of your gynecologist before getting a shot.

• Alcohol and Smoking: No evidence is available about the harmful effects of alcohol or smoking after a pneumococcal vaccine. However, if you smoke or have been using alcohol for a long time, discuss it with your doctor first.

Drug Interactions

Certain medications can interact with the pneumonia vaccine, which can reduce the pneumonia vaccine's efficacy and increase its side effects. So, inform your doctor if you use the following medications:

• Atidarsagene Autotemcel

• Teplizumab-mzwv

• Elivaldogene Autotemcel

• Ocrelizumab

• Ublituximab-xiiy

Health Conditions That Need Special Monitoring:

Specific medical conditions where pneumococcal vaccines might be advised, but need careful consideration:

• Chronic pulmonary diseases like asthma and COPD

• Chronic heart disorders, like congestive heart failure

• Chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis

• Diabetes

• Kidney disorders

• Immune system problems due to cancer, prolonged steroid use, or HIV/AIDS

• Lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and leukemia

• Solid organ transplant

• Sickle cell disease

• Solid organ transplant

Treatments for Pneumonia Vaccine Side Effects

Pneumonia vaccine side effects are usually mild and subside within a few days. If you feel a fever, take pain medications and fever reducers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. However, if you notice the following visible side effects, report them to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (which accepts reports of adverse side effects post vaccination):

• Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)

• Nerve damage

• Allergic reactions

If you are experiencing the long-term effects of the pneumonia vaccine, like SIRVA (with signs like lasting pain, mobility issues, and weakness), you might qualify for compensation through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Basically, VICP is a program that gives financial relief for injuries related to vaccines.

Final Thoughts

While pneumonia vaccine side effects are usually minor and short-lived, it's important to stay informed. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious infections. If you or your child experiences any symptoms after vaccination, don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor.

Have questions about which vaccine is right for you? Talk to your doctor for personalized advice before your next shot.