Reactions to Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many underimmunized children and adults are not protected from infections such as the flu and pneumonia. The chance of becoming infected is reduced if vaccinated. However, vaccines may cause adverse reactions.

Facts

• The CDC warns that children and adults who receive flu and pneumonia vaccines may experience side effects. In most cases, these side effects are minor and only last for a few days. Although there are risks associated with vaccination, the decision not to receive a vaccine may increase the risk of contracting the infection.

Inactivated Influenza Vaccine

• Mild side effects caused by the inactivated flu vaccine include soreness where the shot was received, hoarseness, sore or red eyes, cough, itchiness, fever or aches. In very rare cases, severe problems such as life-threatening allergic reactions may occur after receiving this vaccine.

Live Influenza Vaccine

• Mild side effects of the live flu vaccine include runny nose or nasal congestion, headache and muscle aches, fever, cough, sore throat, wheezing, abdominal pain and vomiting or diarrhea. There have also been cases where the vaccine caused life-threatening allergic reactions, but this rarely occurs.

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

• There are mild side effects associated with the pneumococcal conjugate or PCV7 vaccine for pneumonia. They include redness where the shot was given, fever, fuzziness, drowsiness or loss of appetite. According to the CDC, moderate and severe side effects have not been reported from patients receiving this vaccine.

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

• According to the CDC, half the patients receiving the pneumococcal polysaccharide or PPSV23 vaccine for pneumonia experience redness or soreness where the shot was given. Additionally, fewer than 1 percent of patients report fever or muscle ache after receiving the vaccine.