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For decades, the pneumococcal vaccine has provided protection against the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease, otherwise known as pneumonia. A serious pneumonia infection can lead to ear infections, meningitis, and blood infections. As such, the pneumococcal vaccine is sometimes called the pneumonia shot. 

There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines: conjugate (PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20) and polysaccharide (PPSV23). The PCV13 conjugate vaccine is the only pneumococcal vaccine recommended by the CDC for all age groups. 

The other pneumonia shots are given to adults 19 years or older. 

Despite its known benefits, pneumonia vaccines can and do cause adverse reactions and side effects, including vaccine-related shoulder injuries (also known as SIRVA), sudden fainting, and more.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a Pneumococcal vaccine, you may be entitled to compensation from a federal fund called the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund. This fund was established in 1986 

Before going forward, there’s one thing you need to know: Only people who suffer a vaccine injury from the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) are eligible for compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. This vaccine is also called Prevnar. 

Unfortunately, the VICP does not cover injuries from the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). This vaccine is also known as Pnuemonvax. 

We are unable to provide legal assistance to people who suffer an injury from the Pnuemonvax vaccine. 

If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please call our vaccine injury attorneys at (312) 578-9501. We’re available 24/7 to take your call. You can also complete the form on this page to get started. 

Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about pneumococcal conjugate vaccine side effects and how to get compensation from the VICP. 

Who Should (And Shouldn’t) Get the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control recommends the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to people of all ages that meet certain criteria. Most people are vaccinated before age two, however. 

According to the CDC’s Childhood Vaccination Schedule, children should receive four doses of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine between 2 months and 15 months old. Children who do not complete the four doses must get one dose of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine between ages two (2) and four (4).

Adults age 65 or older are also given the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The CDC encourages people between the ages of 2 and 64 with weakened immune systems to get the pneumococcal conjugate shot.

Who Shouldn’t Get the Pneumonia Shot? 

People who have experienced a severe allergic reaction to any pneumococcal vaccine in the past should not get another one. Talk with your doctor to discuss your options. 

What Side Effects Are Linked to the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination?

Just like any medication or treatment, the pneumonia vaccine can cause mild to moderate symptoms following administration of the injection. These side effects typically go away within a few days.

You may experience any of the following symptoms following a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine: 

  • Redness, swelling, and/or pain around the injection site
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Fever
  • Irritability 
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Headache
  • Chills

If these symptoms last for more than a few days or become severe, please seek medical treatment immediately. 

Serious Vaccine Injuries and Reactions Linked to the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

According to the Vaccine Injury Table, pneumonia conjugate vaccines, such as Prevnar, have been connected with the following adverse side effects, injuries, and reactions:

Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)

Yes, you read that correctly: You can get a shoulder injury from the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Shoulder injuries can happen from vaccination if the injection is given too high on the shoulder. 

As a result, the vaccine is injected into the shoulder capsule, rather than the deltoid muscle. This can cause inflammation and severe shoulder pain that doesn’t go away for weeks or months. 

How do you know if you have a SIRVA injury? Here are some common signs of SIRVA to keep an eye out for: 

  • Shoulder pain within 48 hours of vaccination. This pain is persistent and doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain medication. 
  • Reduced range of motion in the affected shoulder. You may be unable to get dressed or raise your arm above your chest without experiencing intense pain. 
  • Inflammation of your injured shoulder. Your shoulder may be hot and swollen to the touch, despite frequent icing. 
  • Shooting or stabbing arm pain. This sensation may travel down your arm from your shoulder. 

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms after a pneumonia shot, please see your doctor as soon as possible. 

When you see your doctor, they will examine your shoulder and determine to what extent your shoulder was damaged.

They may diagnose you with one of the following SIRVA-related conditions: 

  • Shoulder Bursitis 
  • Shoulder Tendonitis 
  • Frozen Shoulder Syndrome (Adhesive Capsulitis) 
  • Rotator Cuff Tear or Injury 

To learn more about what to do following a SIRVA injury, click here. 

Vasovagal Syncope (Sudden Fainting)

Sudden fainting from a pneumococcal vaccine can be dangerous. Vasovagal syncope happens due to a stressful trigger, such as a vaccination. In response, your heart rate and blood pressure drop suddenly, causing you to faint. 

Symptoms of vasovagal syncope may start within 1 hour after getting the pneumonia shot. Here are some signs of watch out for: 

  • Pale skin 
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Feeling warm 
  • Blurred vision 
  • A cold, clammy sweat 
  • Tunnel vision 

During the fainting episode, the patient may show jerky and abnormal movements, as well as a slow, weak pulse. 

Recovering after a vasovagal episode typically starts in less than a minute. The patient should avoid standing for 30 minutes following the episode. If you stand up too soon after fainting, you may faint again. 

Fainting from a pneumococcal vaccine isn’t dangerous on its own. However, if the patient is standing at the time of fainting, they may injure themselves. The most common injury associated with fainting is a traumatic brain injury. 

Should a patient suffer long-term injuries from a fainting episode, they may be eligible for compensation from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. 

Click here to learn more about vasovagal syncope. 

Compensation Is Available for Pneumonia Shot Reactions

If you or a loved one has suffered from a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine injury in the last three (3) years, you may be eligible for compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

Our vaccine injury attorneys can help you navigate the VICP and pursue compensation. We’ll take the stress of handling your case off your shoulders, so you can focus on getting better. 

To schedule your free consultation, please call us at 312-578-9501. You can also contact us by filling out the form below. 

Our consultations are always free, and our representation comes at no cost to our clients when handling pneumococcal vaccine injury cases. Additionally, the attorneys at Shannon Law Group, P.C. can represent you in the U.S. Federal Court of Claims as long as you live in the United States. 

Vaccine Injuries Book

Download your free copy of Vaccine Injuries: Understanding the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program by attorney Jonathan Svitak.

In this publication, Jonathan explains the history of this unique federal program and answers some of your most frequently asked questions about vaccine injury cases.