Pneumococcal Vaccine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Pneumococcal Vaccine is a vaccine against pneumococcal infections. It is a prescription medicine used for prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections. In Pakistan it is available as injections and infusions, made by 2 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Pneumococcal Vaccine works

The vaccine contains parts of the sugar coating of several common types of pneumococcus, either linked to a carrier protein (conjugate vaccines) or on their own (polysaccharide vaccines). It cannot cause the infection, but it trains the immune system to make antibodies so the body can respond quickly if it meets these bacteria.

What is Pneumococcal Vaccine used for?

• Prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Blood infections

Pneumococcal Vaccine is used to protect against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), a common cause of pneumonia, meningitis, blood infections (septicaemia) and ear infections. It is part of the routine childhood immunisation programme in Pakistan, and is also recommended for older adults and people with long-term conditions or a weak or absent spleen, who are at higher risk.

Side effects of Pneumococcal Vaccine

Reactions to Pneumococcal Vaccine are usually mild and pass within a day or two. Common ones are:

• Pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given
• Mild fever
• Irritability or crying in babies
• Tiredness or drowsiness
• Reduced appetite
• Muscle aches

Get emergency help straight away for signs of a severe allergic reaction after the injection, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse, and seek medical advice for a very high fever or a fit.

Precautions and warnings

• Tell the vaccinator if you or your child has reacted to a previous dose or any vaccine ingredient, or has a high fever on the day.
• Different pneumococcal vaccines cover different strains and suit different age groups, so your doctor will decide which one is right.
• People with a weakened immune system may respond less strongly and may need additional doses as advised by their doctor.
• The vaccine must be stored in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius and never frozen.
• It protects only against the types of pneumococcus it contains, so it does not prevent every case of pneumonia or meningitis.

Frequently asked questions about Pneumococcal Vaccine

What is the price of Pneumococcal Vaccine in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Pneumococcal Vaccine products currently in stock range from Rs 9,421 to Rs 10,212 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Synflorix 25mcg|0.5ml Injection at Rs 9,421. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Pneumococcal Vaccine are available in Pakistan?

Pneumococcal Vaccine is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Synflorix (Glaxo Smithkline Ltd) and Prevenar (Wyeth-lederle).

Do I need a prescription for Pneumococcal Vaccine?

Yes. Pneumococcal Vaccine is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Are all Pneumococcal Vaccine brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Pneumococcal Vaccine in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Pneumococcal Vaccine brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 3 products containing Pneumococcal Vaccine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

Related medicines

Cefixime · Ceftriaxone · Levofloxacin · Cefotaxime · Clarithromycin · Azithromycin