Disease it protects from

The PNEU-C15 vaccine protects against 15 strains (types) of the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae that cause pneumococcal disease.

Who should get this vaccine

As part of the routine immunization schedule, children get this vaccine starting at age 2 months up to and including age 4 years. You do not get this vaccine if you are age 5 years or older.

Who should not get this vaccine

You may not be able to get this vaccine if:

• You have an allergy to any part of the vaccine.
• You had a severe (serious) or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it.

If you have allergies or have had a side effect from this vaccine, check with your doctor or a public health nurse before you get the vaccine.

Although you can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness such as a cold or fever, you should stay home until you are feeling better to prevent spreading your illness to others.

Doses

Most children need 3 doses, which are given at ages 2, 4, and 12 months. If your child hasn’t had all of their pneumococcal vaccine doses as part of their routine immunizations, the PNEU-C15 vaccine can be used to complete their series.

Your child may get fewer doses depending on their age when they start this vaccine. It’s not recommended to delay this immunization because babies have a higher risk of pneumococcal disease. Ask your healthcare provider how many doses your child needs.

Other vaccines that protect against the same diseases

Pneumococcal conjugate 20 vaccine (PNEU-C20) may be recommended for people who are at a higher risk for serious pneumococcal disease. This includes people who:

• have heart, lung, kidney, or liver problems
• have diabetes
• have a weak immune system
• are age 65 years or older
• are Indigenous
• live in a care facility, like a continuing care home
• experience homelessness
• smoke or vape
• live in a home with poor indoor air quality, like if you use a wood-burning stove or live with someone who smokes inside the home
• have an alcohol or substance use problem

Ask your healthcare provider what pneumococcal vaccine you should have.

Get the vaccine

If you can get the vaccine for free, you can get it at your local public health or community health centre.

If you want the vaccine and need to pay for it, contact a private immunization clinic or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How well it works

The PNEU-C15 vaccine protects against 15 different types of the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae that cause pneumococcal disease. How well the vaccine works is different for each type of bacteria. Compared to the other pneumococcal conjugate vaccines that protect against fewer types of bacteria, the PNEU-C15 vaccine may provide better protection against certain types of bacteria that are currently spreading.

Immunization is the best way to protect your child from getting pneumococcal disease.

Safety

Vaccine safety is a top priority. Canada uses extremely safe vaccines. Learn more about vaccine safety in Canada, including how vaccines are monitored for continued safety, and ingredients in vaccines.

Side effects

There can be side effects from the PNEU-C15 vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:

• redness, swelling, itching, a hard spot, or feeling sore where you had the needle
• feeling tired or getting upset easily
• sleeping more than usual
• headache
• fever
• body aches or sore joints
• not feeling hungry or not wanting to eat (poor appetite)
• rash

At least 1 out of 100 people who got this vaccine reported 1 or more of these side effects. In some cases, it is unknown if the vaccine caused these side effects.

It’s important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.

It’s rare to have a serious side effect. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.

How to manage side effects

• To help with soreness and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area where you had the needle.
• There is medicine to help with fever or pain. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure what medicine or dose to take. Follow the directions on the package.
• Some people with health problems, such as a weak immune system, must call their doctor if they get a fever. If you’ve been told to do this, call your doctor even if you think the fever is from the vaccine.

There can be mild, short-term side effects after getting a vaccine. Find tips to manage these side effects at home.