Patient EducationJul | 3 | 2019

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

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