Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.  

This is a pneumococcal vaccine. You may hear it called by the brand name 'Pneumovax 23'. It can help protect you from pneumococcal disease.  

Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria. It is spread from person to person through close contact. It can cause mild infections, like ear infections, or it can cause more serious infections. Severe infections can happen in the blood, around the brain, or in the lungs, which is called 'pneumonia'. 

Anyone can get pneumococcal disease. People with the highest risk are people with chronic health conditions, cigarette smokers, and adults over age 65. 

This medicine can help protect you. It is given as a shot with a very small needle. It is usually given in the upper arm.  

Most people tolerate this vaccine well. Common side effects include reactions where the shot was given, like pain, redness, swelling or tenderness. Others include getting a headache or muscle aches, or feeling tired or weak. These effects are normal if they are mild, and should go away.  If these or other effects are reasons you do not want to get the vaccine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any vaccine, rare but serious side effects could occur. With this vaccine, this includes an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include problems breathing, wheezing, hives and a rash. If these happen, get medical help right away. For more information about this vaccine, your healthcare provider will give you the Vaccine Information Sheet to read.

For best results with this vaccine, ask if you will need another vaccine in the future for added protection from this disease.