Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)

Pneumococcal disease is an infection. It can be caused by many types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The bacteria can infect the nose, ears, blood and lungs, where it causes pneumonia. It can lead to meningitis, a swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. This can be deadly. A vaccine prevents the infection.