What are the side effects of pneumonia shot?

Common side effects

* Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site

* Fever

* Fatigue

* Headache

* Muscle aches

* Chills

* Nausea

* Vomiting

Rare side effects

* Serious allergic reactions (such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)

* Guillain-Barré syndrome (a rare neurological disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis)

* Transverse myelitis (a rare inflammation of the spinal cord that can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and bowel and bladder problems)

Risk of side effects

The risk of side effects from the pneumonia shot is generally low. Most people experience only mild side effects that go away within a few days. However, some people may experience more serious side effects, such as those listed above.

Precautions

Talk to your doctor before getting the pneumonia shot if you:

* Have any allergies, especially to vaccines or ingredients in the pneumonia shot

* Have any bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinners

* Have any heart, lung, or kidney problems

* Have any autoimmune disorders

* Are pregnant or breastfeeding

* Have recently had any other vaccinations

When to call your doctor

Call your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects from the pneumonia shot, such as those listed above.