What is CAPVAXIVE?

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A male pharmacist conversing with a female patient about vaccines, holding a syringe of vaccine in his hand. Both individuals are engaged in the discussion, with the pharmacist offering information and guidance. This image portrays the pharmacist's role in providing information and support regarding vaccination choices.

What is CAPVAXIVE?

  • CAPVAXIVE is a vaccine for individuals and older to help protect against invasive

pneumococcal disease and pneumonia caused by certain types of bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes also referred as pneumococcus.

  • CAPVAXIVE is a single-dose vaccine—meaning that it only requires one shot.
  • These bacteria can cause many types of illnesses, which can be severe, such as infections in:
    • your lungs (pneumonia)
    • the area around your brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
    • your blood (bacteremia)
  • CAPVAXIVE might not protect everyone who gets the vaccine.

Why CAPVAXIVE?

Compared to other pneumococcal vaccines, CAPVAXIVE includes (15A, 15C, 16F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, and 35B) of bacteria that cause 27% of US IPD cases in adults over the age of 50.

Who should get vaccinated with CAPVAXIVE?

The CDC recommends CAPVAXIVE for adults who are:

  • 50 years and older
  • 19 years of age and older with (chronic heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, chronic liver disease, and chronic lung disease).

What is invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)?

In adults, the same bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia can also “invade” other areas of the body that are normally free from germs. When this happens, it can affect the blood, as well as the lining of the brain and spinal cord.

Who is at increased risk?

Certain medical conditions also increase the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD:

  • Asthma
  • Chronic heart, kidney, or liver disease
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking, alcoholism

Pneumococcal pneumonia can cause:

  • Chest pain
  • Chills
  • Confusion or low alertness in older adults
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fever

Important Safety Information:

  • You should not get CAPVAXIVE™ (Pneumococcal 21-valent Conjugate Vaccine) if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in CAPVAXIVE, including diphtheria toxoid.
  • Before getting CAPVAXIVE, tell your health care provider if you have had an allergic reaction to any vaccine, are taking any medications or treatments that might weaken the immune system (like immunosuppressants or steroids), have a weak immune system (which means your body is less able to fight off infections), are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
  • The most common side effects of CAPVAXIVE include pain, redness, or swelling where you got the injection, feeling tired, headache, and muscle aches and fever. These side effects usually last less than 3 days.
  • After getting CAPVAXIVE, tell your health care provider right away about these side effects or any unusual symptoms that develop after you get this vaccine. Get medical care right away if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction, which may include wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, hives, and rash.
  • CAPVAXIVE might not protect everyone who gets the vaccine.

Is it a Myth or is it a Fact?

  1. Pneumonia vaccines make me sick.
  2. The bacterial sugars from 21 types of pneumococcus and the protein are not live and do not cause disease
  3. Only adults age 65 and older are at risk for pneumococcal disease.
  4. Anyone can get pneumococcal disease.
  5. Pneumococcal disease is not common nor serious.
  6. It is invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype.

Answer: 1. Myth 2. Fact 3. Myth 4. Fact 5. Myth 6. Fact

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