These bacteria can cause serious and life-threatening infections such as meningitis (an infection of the lining that covers the brain), septicemia (an infection of the blood), and pneumonia (an infection of the lungs).
Being vaccinated is the best way to protect you and others around you against pneumococcal infection.
In New Brunswick, it is provided free as part of the New Brunswick routine immunization schedule for:
Ask a healthcare provider to see if you are eligible for the vaccine.
Who it is NOT recommended for
If you had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose or to any ingredients of the vaccine or its container, you should speak with your health-care provider.
There is no need to delay getting immunized because of a cold or other mild illness. However, if you have concerns speak with your health care provider.
Reactions to the vaccine are generally mild and last one to two days. Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given. Fever may also occur.
With any vaccine, there is an extremely rare possibility (less than one in a million people) of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is important to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Signs of this reaction may include rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. This reaction can be treated. Any unexpected or serious reaction to a vaccine should be reported to your health-care provider.
Treating reactions
Children can receive their vaccine through their local Public Health office or primary care provider.
Adults aged less than 65 years of age can contact their primary care provider.
Adults aged 65 years of age and older can contact their primary care provider or their local pharmacist. Please check the list of all participating pharmacies by zone.
To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your MyHealthNB account. Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB.
The paper record of Immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place.
If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, you can send an email to: [email protected] .
If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB contact the place you received your vaccines: your health-care provider, your pharmacy, or your local Public Health.
Please inform the immunization provider of any health problems or allergies.
Your immunization provider will give you a record of the immunization. Keep this record in a safe place and bring it when your next immunization is due.
If you have any unusual reactions to the vaccine or you have any questions or concerns, please contact your health-care provider.
Useful websites:
Last reviewed: June 2024