Pneumococcal vaccine
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.
What the pneumococcal vaccine is for
The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against some types of bacterial infections that can cause serious illnesses like:
- meningitis (an infection in the brain and spinal cord)
- sepsis (a life-threatening reaction to an infection)
- pneumonia (an infection in the lungs)
Some types of pneumococcal vaccine can also help protect against other illnesses such as sinusitis and ear infections.
Who should have the pneumococcal vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for babies, older people, and people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from pneumococcal infections.
When the pneumococcal vaccine is given
Who should have it
How many doses
Babies
1st dose at 16 weeks and a booster dose at 1 year
People aged 65 and over
1 dose when you’re 65, or older
Children and adults at higher risk of getting seriously ill
At least 1 dose (some people may need extra doses or regular doses)
Side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine
Like all medicines, the pneumococcal vaccine can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
The most common side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine include:
- swelling or pain where the injection was given
- a high temperature
- feeling tired
- loss of appetite
Babies and children may also feel a bit unwell and irritable.
You can give them paracetamol for children or ibuprofen for children to ease any symptoms.
Check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you’re not sure.
How well the pneumococcal vaccine works and how long it lasts
Vaccination gives the best protection against pneumococcal infections.
It helps protect against the most common types of these infections, but there’s still a chance you might get a pneumococcal infection.
You usually have some protection by about 2 to 3 weeks from when you had the vaccine.
If you have any questions please contact the practice, you can submit one of our online consultation forms https://systmonline.tpp-uk.com/2/OnlineConsultation?OrgId=A86022
Eligible patients should have received either an SMS, email or NHS app notification with a direct booking link.
