Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23): What You Need to Know 

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 (infection of the lungs)

• Ear infections

• Sinus infections

• Meningitis (infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord)

• Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)

Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but young children, older adults, and people with certain risk factors 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 lead to death.

2. PPSV23 

PPSV23 helps protect against 23 types of bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease.

PPSV23 is recommended as an option for some children and adolescents with certain medical conditions or risk factors.

For adults, PPSV23 is recommended following a dose of 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15).

Your health care provider can give you more information.

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.

4. Risks of a vaccine reaction 

• Redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness where the shot is given; tiredness; headache; fever; chills; 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.govor 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.

• Visit the website of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for vaccine package inserts and additional information at www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines

• 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

42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26

5/29/2025