What Are The Adverse Effects Of Taking PCV Vaccine Twice?

Posted on Tue, 6 Jun 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 6 Jun 2017 Answered on

Tue, 4 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I can't remember if I got a vaccine shot for pneumonia, going back a couple years. I have no medical record to check. i am 75. Would there be any problem getting another shot now in the event that I actually did have one before.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestions

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
Pneumococcal vaccine usually gives a good protection.
Some experts eg those at Harvard suggest taking the vaccine twice. However , if you have forgotten whether you have taken the vaccine, I suggest the following

1. take the vaccine again , after 1 year of suspected dose. Take PCV 13. Wait 1 year and then take PCV 23.

2. repeat titer of pneumococcal vaccine after 1 year. If this is good, you need not think again.

Please do consult your local physician for the norms of vaccine of local government.

Best of luck.
Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad