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

This is a pneumococcal vaccine. You may hear it called by the brand name 'Prevnar 13'. It helps protect children and adults from pneumococcal disease.  

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

Anyone can get pneumococcal disease. People who have the highest risk are people with chronic health conditions, cigarette smokers, adults over age 65, and children under age 2. 

This vaccine is given as a shot with a very small needle. It is usually given in the upper arm. It is given in the thigh to infants.  

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, fever, muscle aches, and feeling tired, weak, fussy or irritable. These effects are normal if they are mild, and should go away.  If you are concerned about these or other effects, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any vaccine, rare but more serious side effects could occur. These include fainting or an allergic reaction. There is also a risk of seizures caused by a fever in young children. Get medical help right away if you notice any changes that concern you, like a very high fever, unusual behavior, swelling in the face and throat, problems breathing or dizziness. For more information, be sure to read the Vaccine Information Sheet.

For best results with this vaccine, ask if you will need another vaccine for more protection from this serious disease.