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Pneumovax 23 Coupon - Pneumovax 23 0.5ml of 25mcg/0.5ml syringe

Pneumovax 23

pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent
Used for Ear Infection, Pneumonia, Meningitis
Used for Ear Infection, Pneumonia, Meningitis

Pneumovax 23 is a inactivated polysaccharide vaccine. It protects you from a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae that can cause many types of infections, including pneumonia and meningitis. Pneumovax 23 is typically given as a shot into the muscle by a healthcare professional (HCP). It's mainly given to older adults. But sometimes, HCPs might recommend it to children and younger adults with certain health conditions. Side effects of this vaccine include injection-site pain and redness, muscle pain, and headache.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on February 12, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Pneumovax 23?

What is Pneumovax 23 used for?

  • Prevention of pneumococcal disease (infections caused by pneumococcus)

How Pneumovax 23 works

Pneumovax 23 is a vaccine that protects you against pneumococcal disease, an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as "pneumococcus"). This bacteria can infect many parts of the body and cause serious problems.

Pneumovax 23 is an inactivated vaccine that helps your body's immune system make antibodies that will attack the bacteria if it ever infects you.

Are you looking for information on Vaxneuvance (pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine), Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate), or Prevnar 20 (pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPneumovax 23
Drug ClassVaccine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Pneumovax 23?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Pain, soreness, or tenderness at the injection site (60-77%)
  • Swelling at injection site (20-40%)
  • Headache (18%)
  • Redness at injection site (16-35%)
  • Fatigue (13-18%)
  • Muscle pain (12-17%)

Other Side Effects

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Diarrhea
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Sore throat
  • Itching
  • Bruising

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reactions: hives, dizziness, fever, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, shortness of breath, chest pain

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Pneumovax 23

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to prevent severe pneumococcal disease

Protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria

The vial stopper, syringe plunger stopper, and syringe cap don't contain natural rubber latex.

thumbs-down

Cons

Can only be given as an injection

Brand name only

Must be given by a healthcare professional

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Pneumovax 23

pharmacist

  • Pneumovax 23 is typically only one injection into the muscle or under the skin of your shoulder or mid-thigh.

    • Wait until you're healthy to get Pneumovax 23. This will help make sure your immune system protects you as best as it can. If you have a mild sickness, such as a cold, you can still get Pneumovax 23. But if you feel moderately to severely sick, wait until you recover before getting this vaccine.

      • Make sure to keep a record of all your immunizations and show it to your healthcare professional before receiving any vaccine, including Pneumovax 23. This is helpful for your care team in figuring out what vaccines you need.

        • The most common side effects of Pneumovax 23 are typically mild and last 1 or 2 days. But if they last longer and are severe, contact your primary care provider.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Pneumovax 23

          How long do side effects of Pneumovax 23 last?
          The most common side effects reported by people who've received Pneumovax 23 are symptoms of injection-site reactions, such as pain, tenderness, and swelling. Other common side effects can include headaches, tiredness, and muscle pain. Typically, these side effects are mild and should get better after 1 to 2 days. If you're concerned, ask your nurse or primary care provider about ways to ease these side effects. They might recommend that you place an ice pack on the injection site to ease swelling and redness, or to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help with the pain or fever.
          Is Pneumovax 23 a live vaccine?
          No, Pneumovax 23 isn't a live vaccine; it's an inactivated vaccine. Live vaccines contain a weakened version of a germ. But Pneumovax 23 only contain parts of the pneumococcus bacteria's shell called polysaccharides. So Pneumovax 23 is also known as a polysaccharide vaccine.
          What is the difference between Prevnar 20 and Pneumovax 23?
          Pneumovax 23 and Prevnar 20 are two different pneumococcal vaccines approved by the FDA and recommended by the CDC. These vaccines are typically given to different age groups and in different situations (for example, whether someone has received a pneumococcal vaccine before or not). Talk with your primary care provider or pharmacist if you have more questions about the differences between Pneumovax 23 and Prevnar 20.
          Do you need both Prevnar 20 and Pneumovax 23?
          Usually not. If you received Pneumovax 23 first, your primary care provider might recommend that you get Prevnar 20 to finish the series. But people who received Prevnar 20 first typically don't need to get Pneumovax 23. Ask your primary care provider or pharmacist if you're not sure which pneumococcal vaccine you need.
          How often should Pneumovax 23 be given?
          Most people only need one dose of Pneumovax 23. But some people might need another dose of Pneumovax 23 or a different pneumococcal vaccine, depending on their age and what other health conditions they have. Your primary care provider or pharmacist will let you know how many doses of Pneumovax 23 you need after they review your vaccine history.
          Is Pneumovax 23 still recommended?
          Yes, Pneumovax 23 is one of four pneumococcal vaccines recommended by the CDC. Your primary care provider or pharmacist will let you know if this vaccine is appropriate for you based on your age and other medical conditions.
          Can Pneumovax 23 make you sick?
          No, Pneumovax 23 won't make you sick with pneumonia because it's an inactivated vaccine. This means it contains a small, inactive part of the Pneumococcus bacteria. However, you can get side effects from Pneumovax 23, such as injection-site pain, muscle pain, fatigue, and headache.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Pneumovax 23?

          Pneumovax 23 can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Severe allergic reactions

          As with any vaccine, there's a small chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to Pneumovax 23. Your healthcare professional might ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after you've received your vaccine to make sure you can get proper care in case of a serious allergic reaction. Sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as feeling faint, swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives or rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.

          risk-warning

          Lower response to Pneumovax 23

          • Risk factors: Current moderate-to-severe illness | Medical conditions or medications that weaken the immune system | Cerebrospinal fluid leakage

            Pneumovax 23 might not work as well in people with certain medical conditions. If you have any of the risk factors listed above, don't get Pneumovax 23 until you talk to your primary care provider first.

            risk-warning

            Antibiotic use

            Pneumovax 23 doesn't replace the need for using antibiotics (treatment or prevention) against pneumococcal infections. It's important that you take your antibiotics exactly as prescribed, whether it's for preventing or treating an infection from pneumococcus, even if you receive Pneumovax 23.

            dosage

            Pneumovax 23 dosage forms

            The average cost for 1 syringe of 0.5ml of 25mcg/0.5ml of Pneumovax 23 is $121.71 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 27.72% off the average retail price of $168.39.
            syringe
            Syringe
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            0.5ml of 25mcg/0.5ml1 syringe$121.71$121.71
            vial
            Vial
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            0.5ml of 25mcg/0.5ml1 vial$120.00$120.00

            Typical dosing for Pneumovax 23

            The dose is 1 injection into the muscle or under the skin of your shoulder or the outside of your mid-thigh. Depending on your age and medical conditions, you might need a second dose of Pneumovax 23, which is typically given at least 5 years after the first dose.

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            How much does Pneumovax 23 cost?

            To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
            Pneumovax 23 (brand)
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            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Pneumovax 23?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Pneumovax 23. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Pneumovax 23
            Used for:

            • Prevention of pneumococcal disease (infections caused by pneumococcus)

            $120.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Prevnar 13
            Used for:

            • Prevention of pneumococcal disease (infections caused by pneumococcus) in people 6 weeks and older

            • Prevention of ear infections caused by pneumococcus in children 6 weeks to 5 years old

            $220.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Prevnar 20
            Used for:

            • Prevention of pneumococcal infections in people 6 weeks of age and older

            • Prevention of pneumococcal ear infections in children between 6 weeks and 5 years of age

            • Prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia in adults 18 years and older

            $276.58 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            latest news

            What is the latest news about Pneumovax 23?

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            Pneumovax 23 images

            colorless - Pneumovax-23 25mcg / isolate Prefilled Syringe Solution for Injection
            This medicine is Colorless Syringe.colorless - Pneumovax-23 25mcg / isolate Prefilled Syringe Solution for Injection
            colorless - Pneumovax-23 25mcg / isolate Prefilled Syringe Solution for Injection
            This medicine is Colorless Syringe.colorless - Pneumovax-23 25mcg / isolate Prefilled Syringe Solution for Injection

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            References

            Best studies we found

            Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Pneumococcal disease.

            Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Pneumococcal polysaccharide VIS. 

            Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Pneumococcal vaccines.

            View All References (4)

            Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Pneumococcal vaccine timing for adults.

            Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Pneumococcal vaccination.

            Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. (2023). Pneumovax 23- pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

            World Health Organization. (2020). How do vaccines work?

            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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