Pneumococcal vaccine

The pneumococcal vaccine protects children and adults against different types of bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease (for example, ear infections or pneumonia).

Vaccines can provide protection against a single disease, or can be made to provide protection against more than one disease. The pneumococcal vaccine is only available as a single vaccine format

• Vaxneuvance® (Merck)
• Prevnar 20^TM (Pfizer)

In general, everyone should get this vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine is given starting in infancy and at scheduled times throughout childhood. It is also given to older adults over 65 years old to have ongoing protection. Vaccines are carefully scheduled, so it is important that everyone receives them on time. Your health care provider will determine which vaccine you should receive based on your age and health status.

For a list of publicly funded vaccines in Ontario, see the Ontario Immunization Schedule.

• People who have had serious allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine or to a previous dose of the vaccine itself should not receive the pneumococcal vaccine.

Your health care provider will ask you questions about your health before giving you any vaccine. This will help them identify allergies you might have and safely manage potential allergic reactions.

You could have mild side effects after being vaccinated, but they usually go away in one to two days. Some people can be allergic to the vaccine, just like they might have a food or medication allergy.

Learn more about common vaccine side effects and what to do about them.

Yes. It is required that children be immunized against this disease to attend a licensed daycare in Ontario (Immunization of School Pupils Act, Child Care and Early Years Act).

To find out which vaccines are required for children to attend school or daycare in Ontario, see the School Immunization Checklist (Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care).

Reporting vaccinations

Children attending daycare

• Parents and guardians must also report the vaccinations to Public Health to keep their records up-to-date.
• Exemptions: signed statements must be submitted for vaccination exemptions based on medical reasons or reasons of conscience or religious belief.

General Public

• Access and update your immunization records.

Cost

This vaccine is publicly funded for certain individuals and available at cost for others. Anyone who meets the publicly funded criteria may get the vaccine for free, no matter where they get it in Ontario (in a hospital, walk-in clinic, health care provider’s office or public health unit). It can also be given at cost to people who have personal risk factors that place them at higher risk of developing pneumococcal disease.

For a list of publicly funded vaccines in Ontario, see the Full List of Publicly Funded Vaccines (Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care).

Risks and benefits

Talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated if you have special health conditions or concerns. Learn more about special considerations before being vaccinated.

• Your doctor’s office, a walk-in clinic, community health centre or pharmacy. Appointments may be required.
• Public Health may offer this vaccine at one of our immunization clinics.

• Contact us.
• See our frequently asked questions or send us your question.
• See our list of helpful websites for information about vaccination.