What are the side effects of pneumococcal vaccines?

PCV13 vaccine

In adults, side effects of the PCV13 vaccine may include:

  • Pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given
  • Fever
  • Not feeling hungry
  • Feeling tired
  • Headache

Side effects in children may include:

  • Redness or swelling where the shot was given
  • Drowsiness
  • Not wanting to eat
  • Mild fever
  • Fussing

Young children who get the PCV13 vaccine at the same time as the flu shot could be at increased risk for seizures (sudden, unusual movements or behavior) caused by fever.

PPSV23 vaccine

Side effects of the PPSV23 vaccine may include:

  • Pain or redness where the shot was given
  • Fever
  • Muscle aches

Like any medicine, there’s a very small chance that pneumococcal vaccines could cause a serious reaction. Keep in mind that getting a pneumococcal vaccine is much safer than getting pneumococcal disease