What Is PNEUMOVAX 23?

PNEUMOVAX 23 is a vaccine that is given as a shot. It helps protect you from infection by certain germs or bacteria which are called pneumococcus (pronounced "noo-mo-ca-cus").

If you have certain Chronic Conditions you’re at a greater risk of getting pneumococcal disease

Diabetes. Heart Disease. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). All can weaken your immune system. PNEUMOVAX 23 is an important step to help protect yourself.

WATCH AND LEARN FROM A “CHRONIC FIGHTER”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends one shot of PNEUMOVAX 23 for those 19-64 years old who have certain chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or COPD.*

*COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The following chronic conditions increase your chances of getting pneumococcal disease

DIABETES

Diabetes weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections. Adults with diabetes have a

~3X GREATER RISK

for pneumococcal disease, compared to healthy adults of the same age.

HEART DISEASE

Because heart disease weakens the immune system, it’s harder to fight off infections. Adults with heart disease have

~3X GREATER RISK

for pneumococcal disease, compared to healthy adults of the same age.

COPD

COPD increases swelling and mucus in the airways, which increases the risk for respiratory illnesses. Adults with COPD have

~7X GREATER RISK

for pneumococcal disease, compared to healthy adults of the same age.

HELP PROTECT YOURSELF WITH PNEUMOVAX 23

ARE YOU AGE 65 OR OVER?

The immune system weakens as we age, putting older adults at a greater risk for pneumococcal disease.

LEARN MORE TO HELP LOWER YOUR CHANCES

HELP LOWER YOUR RISK FOR PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE

GET TO KNOW PNEUMOVAX 23

Important Safety Information +

PNEUMOVAX 23 may not protect everyone who gets it. It will not protect against diseases that are caused by bacteria types that are not in the vaccine.

You should not get PNEUMOVAX 23 if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, had an allergic reaction to PNEUMOVAX 23 in the past, or are less than 2 years of age.

Before getting PNEUMOVAX 23, tell your health care professional if you or your child are allergic to the vaccine, have heart or lung problems, have a fever, have immune problems, or are receiving radiation treatment or chemotherapy, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Important Safety Information

PNEUMOVAX 23 may not protect everyone who gets it. It will not protect against diseases that are caused by bacteria types that are not in the vaccine.

You should not get PNEUMOVAX 23 if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, had an allergic reaction to PNEUMOVAX 23 in the past, or are less than 2 years of age.

PNEUMOVAX 23 may not prevent pneumococcal meningitis in patients with leakage of spinal fluid caused by a cracked or injured skull or a medical operation.

Talk to your health care professional if you plan to get ZOSTAVAX^® (Zoster Vaccine Live) at the same time as PNEUMOVAX 23 because it may be better to get these vaccines at least 4 weeks apart. Also talk to your health care professional if you plan to get PNEUMOVAX 23 at the same time as other vaccines.

The most common side effects of PNEUMOVAX 23 are: pain, warmth, soreness, redness, swelling, and hardening at the injection site, headache, weakness and feeling tired, and muscle pain. Tell your health care professional or get help right away if you have any of the following problems, which may be signs of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, wheezing, rash, hives.

Side effects at the site where you get the shot may be more common and may feel worse after a second shot than after the first shot. Tell your health care professional if you or your child has a side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you would like more information about PNEUMOVAX 23, talk to your health care professional.

Please read the accompanying Patient Information for PNEUMOVAX 23 and discuss it with your health care professional. The physician Prescribing Information also is available.