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Pneumovax-23 TM

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional. Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Active ingredients: pneumococcal 23 valent vaccine

Brand name

(ARTG)

: PNEUMOVAX 23 pneumococcal purified capsular polysaccharides 25 microgram/0.5mL injection vial

Download the Consumer Medicine Information Leaflet

Download consumer medicine information leaflet (pdf) from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website

What this medicine is used for

(ARTG)

PNEUMOVAX 23 is indicated for immunisation of individuals in the following situations: All individuals over the age of 65 years; Individuals with asplenia, either functional or anatomical, including sickle cell disease, in persons more than 2 years of age; where possible the vaccine should be given at least 14 days before splenectomy; Immunocompromised patients at increased risk of pneumococcal disease (eg patients with HIV infection before the development of AIDS, nephrotic syndrome, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease and organ transplantation); Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50 years of age; Immunocompetent persons at increased risk of complications from pneumococcal disease because of chronic illness (eg chronic cardiac, renal or pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism and cirrhosis); Patients with cerebrospinal fluid leaks. In Australia, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) currently recommends the vaccination of tobacco smokers with the 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine. PNEUMOVAX 23 is indicated for immunisation only against pneumococcal disease caused by those pneumococcal types included in the vaccine. Effectiveness of the vaccine in the prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia and pneumococcal bacteremia has been demonstrated. In Australia, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) currently recommeds the vaccination of tabacco smokers with the 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine. PNEUMOVAX 23 will not prevent disease caused by capsular types of pneumococcus othar those contained in the vaccine.

How to use this medicine

(ARTG)

This medicine contains one component only.

Component :

  • Injection, solution
  • Subcutaneous
  • Clear colourless solution

Storage conditions

(ARTG)

  • Store at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius
  • Do not Freeze
  • Refrigerate
  • Shelf lifetime is 2 Years.

Do I need a prescription ?

(ARTG)

These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

  • 0.5mL x 1 pack
  • 10 pack

Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

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Need more information?

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Pneumococcal vaccine | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Information about pneumococcal vaccines, who they are recommended for, how and where to get vaccinated. If you're eligible, you can get a pneumococcal vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program.

Read more on Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website

Vaccinations for older people - myDr.com.au

Older people should be vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcal disease and shingles - 3 common but potentially dangerous diseases. Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough boosters are also recommended.

Read more on MyDoctor website

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