Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, with bacterial pneumococcal pneumonia being a common and potentially severe form. The pneumonia shot, or pneumococcal vaccine, helps protect against certain types of bacteria that can cause this illness, as well as other serious infections like meningitis and sepsis. Like many vaccines, the pneumonia shot can lead to side effects, which are generally mild and temporary.
Common Side Effects
After receiving a pneumonia shot, individuals commonly experience reactions at the injection site. This can include soreness, pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given. These local reactions are a normal part of the body’s immune response.
Beyond the injection site, some people may also experience mild systemic side effects. These can include a low-grade fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Other general symptoms might involve a temporary loss of appetite or a feeling of irritability, particularly in children. These reactions are typically mild and indicate the immune system is building protection.
Expected Duration of Side Effects
Common side effects following a pneumonia shot typically last for a short period. Injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, or swelling, usually resolve within one to two days. Some individuals might experience these local symptoms for up to three or four days.
Systemic symptoms like low-grade fever, headache, muscle aches, or fatigue also tend to be temporary. These general reactions usually subside within 24 to 48 hours after vaccination. Most common side effects are self-limiting and do not require specific medical intervention. While individual experiences can vary, these timeframes provide a general expectation.
Less Common or Serious Side Effects
While most reactions to the pneumonia shot are mild, some less common or more serious side effects can occur. Significant swelling or pain at the injection site that extends beyond the typical area or duration. In rare instances, an incorrect injection technique can lead to Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA), causing persistent pain and limited arm movement.
More concerning are extremely rare severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis. These can manifest as hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or fainting. Anaphylaxis typically occurs within minutes to a few hours after vaccination and is estimated to happen in about one in a million doses. Other rare but serious issues reported include seizures, severe pain, or neurological complications.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Contact a healthcare provider if side effects are severe or worsen. Also contact them if common symptoms like fever or injection site pain persist beyond a few days, become intense, or if any new symptoms appear after vaccination.
Immediate medical attention is necessary for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face or throat, or feeling faint. If there is severe or persistent pain in the shoulder, especially if it limits arm movement, contact a healthcare professional to rule out conditions like SIRVA.