1. Take the Pneumonia Quiz
2. The Common Cold Slideshow Pictures
3. Bronchitis Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Pneumovax 23)?

Since PPSV is usually given only one time, you will most likely not be on a dosing schedule. If you are receiving a repeat PPSV shot, be sure to tell your doctor if it has been less than 5 years since you last received a pneumococcal vaccine.

What happens if I overdose (Pneumovax 23)?

An overdose of this vaccine is not likely to occur.

What should I avoid' before or after receiving this vaccine (Pneumovax 23)?

PPSV should not be given within 4 weeks before or after you receive a herpes zoster vaccine (Zostavax).

What other drugs will affect pneumococcal polysaccharides vaccine (PPSV) (Pneumovax 23)?

Before receiving this vaccine, tell the doctor about all other vaccines you have recently received.

Also tell the doctor if you have recently received drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• an oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable steroid medicine;
• medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders, such as azathioprine (Imuran), etanercept (Enbrel), leflunomide (Arava), and others; or
• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection, such as basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral, Gengraf), muromonab-CD3 (Orthoclone), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), sirolimus (Rapamune), or tacrolimus (Prograf).

If you are using any of these medications, you may not be able to receive the vaccine, or may need to wait until the other treatments are finished.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with PPSV. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist may have additional information about pneumococcal polysaccharides vaccine. You may also find additional information from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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