pneu·mo·coc·cal vaccine (n  m -k k l)n. A vaccine containing purified capsular polysaccharide antigen from the most common infectious types of Streptococcus pneumoniae, used to immunize against pneumonococcal disease. |
pneumococcal vaccine,
an active immunizing agent containing antigens of the 23 types of Pneumococcus associated with more than 98% of the cases of pneumococcal pneumonia in the United States and Europe.
indications It is prescribed for persons over 2 years of age who are at high risk of development of severe pneumococcal pneumonia, all adults over 65 years of age, and immunocompromised adults.
contraindications Pregnancy, early childhood (less than 2 years of age), or known hypersensitivity to the vaccine prohibits its use.
adverse effects Among the more serious adverse effects are inflammation at the site of injection, fever, and hypersensitivity.
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