Pneumonia is a respiratory disease characterized by the inflammation of lung parenchyma. This is caused by bacteria, viruses or irritants. Bacterial pneumonia is mainly caused by the bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumonia symptoms include excessive coughing, shallow breathing, chest pain, fever and shivering. Pneumonia mostly affects children below 2 years and people above 65 years of age. Presently, two vaccines are available for preventing pneumonococcal diseases. Those vaccines include pneumonococcal polysaccharide vaccine and pneumonococcal conjugate vaccine. But, one should also consider the pneumonia vaccine side effects.
Pneumonia Vaccine Side Effects:
According to the studies of National Institute of Health Sciences, pneumonia vaccination prevents many cases of pneumonia. But, few people believe that pneumonia vaccine results in contracting the pneumonia. However, it isn’t so because the vaccine isn’t a live one. All the vaccines have side effects along with the essential needs. Usually, these side effects are temporary and minor. Yet in some cases, side effects of pneumonia vaccine are severe such as allergic reactions that result in throat swelling, dizziness, tachycardia, breathing difficulties and also behavioral changes.
Some general pneumonia vaccine side effects include swelling, redness, pain and a small lump at the area of the injection. Usually, these get solved in a few days. Other adverse effects include rashes, muscle pains and aches, headache and fever. In very rare cases, vaccine causes a serious side effect such as an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This can be detected easily as it develops immediately after administering the vaccine. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include severe anxiety, swelling of the lips, rashes and hives.
Other notable side effects of pneumonia vaccination include:
- Most common side effects of pneumonia vaccination include pain, swelling, a hard lump, soreness and redness at the injection site. These can develop with the administration of any kind of vaccine and don’t need any medical attention until they last for a longer period.
- Rare side effects of pneumonia vaccine are pain and aches in muscles and joints, weakness, unusual tiredness, swollen glands, skin rashes and fever. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms.
- High fever is another side effect of pneumonia vaccine. This is essential to seek doctor’s advice as early as possible.
- Allergic reactions occur rarely and is a life-threatening condition. It must be taken seriously and should consult the medical professional.
It is not necessary that all suffer from the side effects of pneumonia vaccination. Also, treatments are not always essential for pneumonia vaccination side effects as they disappear on their own. If any side effect lasts for more than 5 days, consult the doctor.
