Pneumovax 2325mcg/0.5ml

• Prevention of pneumococcal disease (in persons aged 2 years or older at high risk)

Adults and Children (>2 years):

• High-risk patients: Single dose of 0.5 mL (IM) as 23-valent vaccine
• Should be given at least 2 weeks before elective splenectomy, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive treatment
• Revaccination generally not required; may be considered after 5 years in patients with asplenia, splenic dysfunction, or nephrotic syndrome

Common Side Effects:

• Injection site pain, erythema (redness), induration, and edema
• Moderate and transient hyperthermia (fever) sometimes >39°C
• Adenopathy, rashes, arthralgia
• Allergic reactions (urticaria, Quincke's edema, anaphylactoid reactions)
• Headache, muscle pain, malaise, fatigue (rare)

• Caution in severe renal, hepatic, cardiac, vascular &/or pulmonary dysfunction
• Patients on immunosuppressants may be unable to attain required antibody titres
• Caution in pregnancy and lactation
• Efficacy may be reduced in multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (especially during treatment and chronic alcoholism)
• Vaccine should be given 2 weeks before starting immunosuppressive treatment or at least 3 months after treatment completion