Important Vaccines to Consider for People with Down syndrome

Vaccine

How it can help you

When to get the vaccine

Risk and side effects

Pneumococcal vaccine
Also called Pneumovax®

• Protects against pneumonia (an infection that causes fluid to build up in the lungs), meningitis (swelling or infection of the brain and spinal cord) and blood infections.

• First dose: Between ages 18-20 (or as soon as possible if you are older than 20)
• Second dose: 5 years after the first dose
• Third dose: Age 50
• Fourth dose: Age 65

• Pain, swelling or redness where you had the vaccine
• Fever
• Headache or muscle aches
• Feeling very tired

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
Also called Gardasil®

• Protects against human papillomavirus (HPV)

• It is routinely given at age 11. It can be given as early as age 9 and up to 26 years of age.

• Pain, swelling or redness where you had the vaccine
• Fever
• Headache or muscle aches
• Feeling very tired

Influenza (flu) vaccine

• Protects you from the flu, a common disease that causes cold-like symptoms, fever, vomiting ot diarrhea.
• People with Down syndrome have a higher risk of developing infections. It is important that you or your son/daughter get the flu vaccine.

• Once a year during flu season (fall and winter)
• The flu virus (germ) changes every year. Doctors make new flu vaccines every year to protect people from the new flu virus.

• Pain, swelling or redness where you had the vaccine.
• Fever
• Headache or muscle aches
• Feeling very tired
• Cold-like symptoms