Pneumovax-23™

Read the CMI leaflet (Opens in new tab) for facts you need to know before, during and after taking your medicine.

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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.

Source: ARTG

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

Source: ARTG

Non-composite pack

This medicine contains one component only.

Component

• Injection, solution
• Subcutaneous
• Clear colourless solution

Source: ARTG

These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4: Prescription Only Medicine.?What is the medicines and poisons schedule?

All medicines and poisons in Australia are categorised by how they are made available to the public. Medicines with a low safety risk are usually less tightly controlled than medicines with a higher safety risk. This system is called ‘scheduling’. You can read more about the scheduling of medicines as well as the different scheduling categories on our Scheduling of medicines and poisons information page.

• 1
• 10

Source: ARTG

This medicine is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Talk to your pharmacist about how much it will cost.

Source: PBS

For the active ingredient: Pneumococcal 23 valent vaccine

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Source: AHT

If you experience a side effect from this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Or report it directly to the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at Report an adverse event or safety problem (Opens in new tab)

Source: ARTG

Healthdirect medicines information is not intended for use in an emergency. If you are suffering an acute illness, overdose, or emergency condition, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

Reasonable care has been taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. Please refer to our terms and conditions (Opens in new tab).