Is the pneumococcal vaccines safe? The pneumococcal vaccine is very safe, and it is effective at preventing pneumococcal disease. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. Most children who get the PCV13 shot have no side effects. What are the side effects? The most common side effects are usually mild and include the following: Fussiness Pneumococcal vaccine is a routine childhood vaccination. Four doses are given: 1 age 2 months, 1 at age 4 months, 1 at age 6 months, and 1 at age 12 to 15 months. The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. It's recommended for people at higher risk of these illnesses, such as babies and adults aged 65 and over. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines can protect children from Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is the most common cause of severe bacterial pneumonia among children.