8 Prevnar 13 Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus, is a bacteria that causes many types of infections. Pneumonia, ear infections, meningitis, and more can all stem from this germ. Thankfully, there's a handful of vaccines available to help prevent pneumococcal infection and its complications.

Prevnar 13 (Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine, PCV13) is one of these vaccines. It helps protect against 13 specific types of pneumococcal bacteria that can cause severe infections. Many kids and adults can receive it.

However, like with all vaccines, Prevnar 13 can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild and manageable. In general, the vaccine’s benefits outweigh its risk of side effects.

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Prevnar 13 side effects at a glance

After you or your child receives Prevnar 13, it’s possible to experience side effects. Some are manageable and short-lived, while others may require medical attention.

Common Prevnar 13 side effects include:

• Injection site reactions, including pain, redness, or swelling where it was injected

• Irritability

• Headache

• Tiredness

• Sleep changes

• Muscle and joint pain

• Fever and chills

• Changes in appetite

• Limited arm movement

• Vomiting

• Rash

Rare but serious vaccine side effects include:

• Allergic reactions, including facial swelling, rash, or hives

• Breathing problems in premature babies

Here’s how to manage eight notable Prevnar 13 side effects.

1. Injection site reactions

Prevnar 13 is injected into a muscle. Most people receive it in their upper arm, but the thigh is preferred for infants.

No matter the location, the vaccine can cause injection site reactions after it’s administered. Symptoms like redness, swelling, and tenderness where the shot is given are some of the vaccine’s most common side effects.

Injection site reactions tend to be mild and go away within a few days. In the meantime, you can try applying cool or warm compresses to the area. You can also ease pain at the injection site by using over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Anti-itch medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can also help when needed.

2. Feeling irritable

Feeling irritable or fussy is another side effect of Prevnar 13. This is more common in infants and children.

While getting shots can be scary for young kids, there are a few ways to help them calm down for the vaccination appointment:

• Give your child something sweet shortly before getting the shot — this can help lower their pain response. It can also act as an incentive to get the vaccine.

• Apply a cooling spray or ointment to the injection site before the shot.

• If you’re breastfeeding, doing so can provide a comforting distraction during the immunization.

• Bring a favorite toy, blanket, or book to the visit to help comfort your child at the appointment.

• Hug, cuddle, or swaddle your child to help soothe them after the shot.

3. Appetite changes

Prevnar 13 may make you feel less hungry. Temporary appetite loss was reported in many infants and toddlers who received Prevnar 13 during clinical trials. It’s also relatively common among older children and adults.

This isn’t specific to Prevnar 13. It's normal for some babies to eat less in the day after receiving any vaccine. To help manage lowered appetite, you can try offering your baby formula or breastmilk more often during this time frame.

If you or an older child aren’t feeling as hungry following the vaccination, small changes can also help. You can try eating smaller meals throughout the day, eating liquid meals like soup or broth, or eating bland foods — like oatmeal or bread — that won't irritate your stomach.

Other side effects you’re experiencing could contribute to appetite changes, too. Pain, fever, and headaches could all play a role in how much you want to eat. Addressing these side effects may improve your hunger levels.

4. More or less sleep

Prevnar 13 can cause sleep changes in people of all ages. Young kids may sleep less or more after receiving the shot. Older children and adults mostly tend to feel tired or sleepy after receiving it.

If your child received Prevnar 13, keep a closer eye on their sleeping habits in the days after their vaccine. You can try to support any sleep changes by offering naps or more comfort (like cuddling) at bedtime to help them fall asleep more easily. It may also help to schedule their vaccine appointment in the afternoon rather than in the morning. One study found that babies sleep better after receiving vaccines in the afternoon.

If you or an older child are feeling tired after a dose of Prevnar 13, that’s normal too. You can try practicing good sleep habits like going to bed at the same time each night, taking short naps (if needed), and keeping stress under wraps. Exercising, even if it’s low intensity, can also help boost energy levels.

5. Headache

Prevnar 13 may trigger headaches, especially in adults.

To help manage headaches from your vaccine, you can try OTC pain-relieving medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But medications aren’t the only answer. It's also important to stay well hydrated, which may help relieve headache symptoms. 

If you have a headache that doesn't go away within a few days of receiving Prevnar 13 or gets worse, let your healthcare provider know. There may be another reason for your headache.

6. Muscle or joint pain

More than 1 in 5 adults who received Prevnar 13 in initial studies reported experiencing muscle pain. Some also reported limited arm movement and joint pain. These symptoms are less common among kids and teens.

After you receive the vaccine, try to temporarily avoid intense physical activity that might make muscle pain worse. This includes substantial workouts and lifting heavy objects. If needed, an OTC pain reliever, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may help relieve muscle and joint pain too. You can even try massage therapy or applying essential oils to help relieve sore muscles and joints.

7. Fever and chills

You may develop fever and chills after receiving Prevnar 13. When this happens, it's usually caused by your body mounting an immune response to the vaccine. Fever and chills are more common among infants and toddlers. In most cases, fevers following a vaccination are mild.

If your child has a fever, keep their room cool and dress them in lightweight clothing. Staying well hydrated by drinking cool liquids and not wearing too many layers should also help. When needed, you can try children's acetaminophen or children’s ibuprofen to help lower fevers. 

Adults and older kids can follow similar recommendations for managing fever. OTC medications to help lower fever like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin can offer relief. However, people younger than 19 years old shouldn’t take aspirin due to safety risks.

8. Apnea in young kids

Vaccines like Prevnar 13 may raise the risk of apnea in babies who are born prematurely. Apnea is a type of slowed breathing. It was observed in some premature babies who received Prevnar 13 in initial studies.

If your baby was born prematurely, let your healthcare provider know. This will help them weigh the risks and benefits of vaccinating your child with Prevnar 13. They may suggest delaying the vaccine to a later time — depending on the medical status and body weight of your child.

When should I talk to a healthcare provider about Prevnar 13 side effects?

Any vaccine has the potential to cause an allergic reaction, including Prevnar 13. Your immunizer will likely ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after you've received your vaccine to monitor you for signs of an allergic reaction. Thankfully, allergic reactions aren’t common.

You should seek emergency care if you think you're having a serious allergic reaction to the Prevnar 13 vaccine. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing

• Swelling of the face

• Hives

• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded

• Fever

• Rash

• Itching

• Low blood pressure

• Chest pain

• Shaking or anxiety

• Rapid heart rate

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Sonja Jacobsen, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP

Sonja Jacobsen, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP,  is a clinical oncology pharmacy specialist currently practicing in Seattle. She has been practicing as a pharmacist since 2015 and is licensed to practice in Washington state and North Carolina.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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