VACCINE INFORMATION STATEMENT

Many Vaccine Information Statements are 

available in Spanish and other languages. 

See www.immunize.org/vis

Hojas de información sobre vacunas están 

disponibles en español y en muchos otros 

idiomas. Visite www.immunize.org/vis

U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services 

Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention 

1 Why get vaccinated?

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) 

can prevent pneumococcal disease.

Pneumococcal disease refers to any illness caused 

by pneumococcal bacteria. These bacteria can cause 

many types of illnesses, including pneumonia, which 

is an infection of the lungs. Pneumococcal bacteria 

are one of the most common causes of pneumonia.

Besides pneumonia, pneumococcal bacteria can 

also cause:

 Ear infections

 Sinus infections

 Meningitis (infection of the tissue covering the 

brain and spinal cord)

 Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)

Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but children 

under 2 years of age, people with certain medical 

conditions, adults 65 years or older, and cigarette 

smokers are at the highest risk.

Most pneumococcal infections are mild. However, 

some can result in long-term problems, such as brain 

damage or hearing loss. Meningitis, bacteremia, and 

pneumonia caused by pneumococcal disease can 

be fatal.

2 PPSV23

PPSV23 protects against 23 types of bacteria that 

cause pneumococcal disease.

PPSV23 is recommended for:

 All adults 65 years or older,

 Anyone 2 years or older with certain medical 

conditions that can lead to an increased risk for 

pneumococcal disease.

Most people need only one dose of PPSV23. A 

second dose of PPSV23, and another type of pneumococcal vaccine called PCV13, are recommended 

for certain high-risk groups. Your health care 

provider can give you more information.

People 65 years or older should get a dose of PPSV23 

even if they have already gotten one or more doses of 

the vaccine before they turned 65.

3 Talk with your health 

care provider

Tell your vaccine provider if the person getting 

the vaccine:

 Has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose 

of PPSV23, or has any severe, life-threatening 

allergies.

In some cases, your health care provider may decide 

to postpone PPSV23 vaccination to a future visit.

People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be 

vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill 

should usually wait until they recover before getting 

PPSV23.

Your health care provider can give you more 

information.

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine 

(PPSV23): What You Need to Know
Office use only

4 Risks of a vaccine reaction

 Redness or pain where the shot is given, feeling 

tired, fever, or muscle aches can happen after 

PPSV23.

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, 

including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel 

dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance 

of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other 

serious injury, or death.

5 What if there is a serious 

problem?

An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated 

person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a 

severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face 

and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, 

dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person 

to the nearest hospital.

For other signs that concern you, call your health 

care provider.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine 

Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your 

health care provider will usually file this report, or 

you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website at 

www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS 

is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff do not 

give medical advice.

6 How can I learn more?

 Ask your health care provider.

 Call your local or state health department.

 Contact the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC):

-Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or

-Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines

Vaccine Information Statement

PPSV23 Vaccine

10/30/2019