Pneumococcal Vaccine

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Pneumococcal vaccination is designed to prevent serious infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. But in rare cases, complications can occur after receiving the shot. Most vaccine reactions are mild, but some individuals experience significant adverse responses such as severe allergic reactions or shoulder injuries when the vaccine is improperly administered. These reactions may qualify for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).

Reactions can develop within minutes, hours, or days after vaccination, depending on the type and severity of the response. Some cases involve immediate allergic symptoms, while others involve musculoskeletal pain or nerve irritation at the injection site.

Warning signs can appear suddenly and may include:

  • Intense shoulder pain or limited arm movement after injection

  • Swelling, redness, or warmth around the injection site

  • Rash, itching, or hives spreading across the body

  • Dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath

  • Nausea or abdominal cramping shortly after vaccination

While most patients recover fully with proper treatment, others may experience lasting pain or weakness if the shoulder joint or nerves are affected (as with SIRVA), or may need emergency care in cases of anaphylaxis.

If you or your child developed severe shoulder pain, allergic symptoms, or a fainting-related injury after a pneumococcal vaccination, you may have a valid claim under the VICP. These claims are time-sensitive, so contact our firm right away to begin your claim for compensation.

  • The pneumococcal vaccine protects against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) — a bacteria that can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

    There are two types: PCV (conjugate) and PPSV (polysaccharide).

    These vaccines contain purified pieces of the bacterial coating (polysaccharides) that train the immune system to recognize and destroy the bacteria.

    • Contains inactivated polysaccharides from multiple pneumococcal strains (up to 23 types)

    • May include small amounts of preservatives or stabilizers like polysorbate 80 and aluminum phosphate

    • Does not contain live bacteria

  • The vaccine works by prompting the immune system to make antibodies against pneumococcal bacteria.

    This protection prevents serious and potentially fatal illnesses, especially in children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

    • Prevents pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections, and bloodstream infections

    • Reduces hospitalizations and deaths related to pneumococcal disease

    • Protects the community through herd immunity when vaccination rates are high

  • The pneumococcal vaccine can, in rare cases, cause adverse effects recognized under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP):

    • SIRVA: Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration, caused by an injection given too high or deep

    • Vasovagal Syncope: Fainting shortly after injection, sometimes leading to a fall and injury.

  • If you may have suffered a vaccine-related injury, the most important step is to seek medical care right away.

    Early treatment can help reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and create clear medical documentation that supports your recovery and any future claim.

    Once you’ve received care, hire a Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) lawyer to handle your case.

    VICP claims follow a unique federal process, and having a lawyer who understands this system ensures your claim is filed correctly and on time.

    Best of all, attorney fees are paid by the program, not by you. Getting the right help early protects both your health and your legal rights, without costing you anything, whether you win or lose your claim.

    • Pneumococcal vaccination prevents an estimated 220,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. each year.

    • The CDC reports that invasive pneumococcal disease has dropped by more than 85% in children under 5 since PCV introduction.

    • Serious allergic reactions occur in fewer than one per million doses.

    • Most common side effects are mild, such as soreness or mild fever.

A person receiving a vaccination in their upper arm from a healthcare worker wearing black gloves. There are two small vials, one red and one blue, and a medical syringe on a light-colored surface nearby.