ST AGNES SURGERY

PNEUMOVAX VACCINE

Pneumococcal infection is the most common cause of pneumonia in Australia. The infection can also cause meningitis and blood poisoning.

People with chronic illness and the elderly are at most risk.

Vaccination is an important measure available to prevent pneumococcal infection.

A single injection, with Pneumovax, with ONE booster after 5 years is required.

The NHMRC recommends Pneumococcal vaccination for :

• all people aged 65 years and over ( FREE vaccine from 1/1/2005)
• aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and over ( FREE vaccine)
• residents in hostels, nursing homes and other residential facilities
• people with severe asthma, or respiratory illnesses
• adults and children over 2 years of age with a chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease, blood or kidney disorders
• people with alcohol related illness
• those who have had their spleen removed
• people with immunosuppression or blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia, myeloma or lymphoma
• those who have had organ transplants
• those with HIV infection ( but not established AIDS)

Pneumovax vaccine SHOULD NOT be given where the person is :

• allergic to eggs, feathers, or neomycin
• allergic to previous Pneumovax vaccine
• has a fever over 38.5 degrees C

COMPLICATIONS are rare :

• up to 10% of people may feel a bit off colour and have local redness and soreness at the injection site

.

Pneumovax Vaccine is NOT a live virus – you cannot get infection from the injection,

Serious side effects are very rare