Pneumovax 23: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects & More

What is Pneumovax?

Pneumovax is a vaccine that helps protect against pneumococcal disease, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. It is recommended for adults over 65 and people with certain health conditions.

Efficacy And Statistics Of Pneumovax

General Effectiveness:

• A Danish cohort study involving 948,263 people aged 65 and over reported an adjusted vaccine effectiveness of 42% (95% CI: 9–63%) against all-serotype IPD and 58% (95% CI: 21–78%) against PPV23-serotype IPD.

Effectiveness Over Time:

• In England and Wales, PPV23 showed an overall effectiveness of 27% against vaccine-type IPD in older adults. Effectiveness declined from 41% within two years of vaccination to 23% after five years.

Effectiveness Against Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP):

• A study in Spain found that PPSV23 had an adjusted effectiveness of 15.2% (-3.1 to 30.3) in preventing hospitalization because of CAP among people aged 65 and over.

Effectiveness in Preventing Severe Outcomes:

• The same Spanish study reported that PPSV23 had an adjusted effectiveness of 28.1% (-14.3 to 56.9) in preventing intensive care unit admission or death among hospitalized CAP patients aged 65 and over.

What Are The Side Effects Of Pneumovax?

1. Common Side Effects (Mild and Temporary)

These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days:

• Injection site reactions (30-50%)
  • Pain, redness, warmth or swelling at the injection site
  • More common in people receiving a booster dose
• Muscle pain or fatigue (5-10%)
  • Mild soreness or weakness in the body
• Fever (Less than 1%)
  • Usually mild (below 38°C or 100.4°F)

2. Less Common Side Effects (Moderate)

These effects occur in a smaller percentage of people and may last a little longer:

• Headache (1-2%)
  • Mild to moderate in intensity
• Chills or mild fever (1-2%)
  • Temporary and resolves within a day or two
• Joint pain (Arthralgia) (<1%)
  • Typically mild

3. Rare but Serious Side Effects

These reactions are uncommon but require medical attention if they occur:

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (1 in a million doses)
  • Symptoms: swelling of the face/throat, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, dizziness
  • Immediate emergency care is needed
• Severe injection site reactions
  • Large swelling, hard lump or severe pain at the site (very rare)
• Severe fever (over 39°C or 102°F)
  • More likely in people with weakened immune systems

4. Extremely Rare Side Effects

These are reported in isolated cases and are not definitively linked to the vaccine:

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
  • A rare neurological disorder that can cause muscle weakness
• Severe allergic skin reactions
  • Such as hives or widespread rash

Who is More Likely to Experience Side Effects?

• People receiving a booster dose of PPSV23 (more local reactions)
• Those with a weakened immune system
• People with a history of allergies to vaccine components

When to Seek Medical Help

Seek immediate care if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing or swelling of the face/throat
• Persistent high fever (above 39°C or 102°F)
• Severe pain or redness lasting more than 3 days

What Are The Costs Of Pneumovax?

In the United States:

• The cost for a supply of 5 milliliters (10 doses) of Pneumovax 23 injectable solution is approximately $1,231.57, equating to about $246.31 per dose.

United Kingdom:

• Medisave UK: £38.75 per 0.5ml syringe, inclusive of VAT.
• Croyland Pharmacy: £50.00 per dose.
• Goodmayes Pharmacy: £60.00 per dose.
• Peak Pharmacy: £35.00 per dose.
• London Vaccination Clinic: £85.00 per dose.
• Medichem Pharmacy: £40.00 per dose.
• H H Pharmacy: £57.00 per dose. ​

Canada:

• PPSV23: Estimated at $164 CAD per dose.

What Are The Dosages Of Pneumovax?

Dosages of Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23)

Standard Dosage

• Adults & Children (≥2 years old): 0.5 mL given as a single intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) injection.

Booster/Revaccination Recommendations

• General Population: A single dose is usually sufficient for lifetime protection.
• High-Risk Individuals (e.g., immunocompromised, asplenia, chronic diseases):
  • A second dose may be given 5 years after the first dose.
• Adults ≥65 years who received their first dose before age 65:
  • A booster dose is recommended at least 5 years after the first.

Administration Sites

• Intramuscular (IM): Deltoid muscle (preferred for adults) or thigh (for young children).
• Subcutaneous (SC): Upper arm.

Special Considerations

• Not recommended for children under 2 years old (due to poor immune response).
• Should not be given more frequently than every 5 years (to avoid excessive side effects).

Advices For Pneumovax Users

Before Getting the Vaccine

✔ Consult your doctor if you have a weakened immune system, chronic illness or previous severe allergic reactions to vaccines.
✔ Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding—Pneumovax is generally safe but guidance may vary.
✔ Avoid getting vaccinated if you’re sick with a fever or infection; wait until you recover.

After Receiving the Vaccine

✔ Expect mild side effects such as pain at the injection site, mild fever or fatigue—these usually go away within 48 hours.
✔ Apply a cold compress to the injection site to reduce swelling or soreness.
✔ Stay hydrated and rest if you feel fatigued after vaccination.

Long-Term Protection & Revaccination

✔ One dose is enough for most adults, but some high-risk people (e.g., those with chronic illnesses, asplenia or weakened immune systems) may need a booster dose after 5 years.
✔ Adults 65+ who were vaccinated before 65 should receive another dose after 5 years for continued protection.
✔ Pneumovax does not replace pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13 or PCV20)—your doctor may recommend both for maximum protection.

When to Seek Medical Attention

⚠ Severe allergic reactions (rare but serious): Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/throat or a rapid heartbeat. Seek immediate medical help.
⚠ High fever (above 39°C or 102°F) or persistent pain/redness at the injection site beyond 3 days—consult a doctor.

Final Advice

✔ Pneumovax is highly effective at preventing severe pneumococcal infections but it does not protect against all pneumonia cases. Continue practicing good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle.
✔ Get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before surgery, travel or major medical procedures if you are in a high-risk group.
✔ Check with your doctor about combining Pneumovax with other vaccines like flu or COVID-19 vaccines.

We wish a healthy and heappy life to you. You can find details about pneumonia below:

Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention Explained