What are the risks from pneumococcal conjugate vaccine?
In studies (nearly 60,000 doses), pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was associated with only mild reactions: Up to about 1 infant out of 4 had redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given. Up to about 1 out of 3 had a fever of over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, and up to about 1 in 50 had a higher fever (over 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit). Some children also became fussy or drowsy, or had a loss of appetite. So far, no moderate or severe reactions have been associated with this vaccine. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, could cause serious problems, such as a severe allergic reaction. The risk of this vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.
