IMMUNIZATION – YOUR BEST PROTECTION

Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious infections. Protects against

23 types of pneumoccoci infection: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, 33F.

In Ontario, the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is publicly funded for:

• All persons 65 years of age or older
• Individuals 2 years of age or older with high risk medical conditions
• All residents of nursing homes, homes for the aged and chronic care facilities or wards

What is pneumococcal disease?

• caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumonia in which there are 90 different types 
• infection can cause pneumonia, sinus infections, ear infections, meningitis and blood infection
• pneumonia, blood infection and meningitis can sometimes cause death or lasting complications such as deafness

How is pneumococcal disease spread?

Pneumococcal disease is spread from person to person through droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing. Bacteria can also be spread by sharing items such as beverages and eating utensils, or chewing on toys. People of all ages can be healthy carriers of this bacteria.  

How safe is the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

Vaccines are among the safest of modern medicine. The only individuals who should NOT receive this vaccine are those who:

• are ill with a fever or infection
• have had an allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) to a past dose of this vaccine or any of its components
• is under 2 years of age

What are the side effects that I should watch for following vaccination?

Serious side effects from the vaccine are very rare (1:1,000,000). Most individuals have no problems following vaccination. Possible side effects include:

• redness and soreness where the needle was given
• headache, tiredness, joint pain and muscle aches
• allergic reactions (ie. hives, swelling and difficulty breathing) occur very rarely. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately

Call your doctor if you develop any symptoms that are severe or last more than a few days.  Please note that serious side effects are very unlikely to occur and the benefits of the vaccine are much greater than the risks.

If you choose to receive this vaccine today, it is required that you wait two days before donating blood.

For more information on this vaccine, contact one of the numbers below and ask to speak to a Nurse in the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program.