The pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. It’s also known as the pneumonia vaccine.
Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus Pneumoniae and can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia (a kind of blood poisoning) and meningitis.
Who should have the pneumococcal vaccine?
A pneumococcal infection can affect anyone. But some people are at higher risk of serious illness, so it’s recommended they’re given the pneumococcal vaccination on the NHS.
These include:
- babies
- adults aged 65 or over
- children and adults with certain long-term health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition
There are 4 groups of people who are advised to get vaccinated against pneumococcal infections:
- babies
- people aged 65 and over
- anyone from the ages of 2 to 64 with a health condition that increases their risk of pneumococcal infection
- anyone at occupational risk, such as welders
How often is the pneumococcal vaccine given?
Babies born on or after 1 January 2020 have 2 doses of pneumococcal vaccine at:
- 12 weeks
- 1 year
Babies born before this date will continue to be offered 3 doses, at 8 and 16 weeks and a booster at 1 year.
People aged 65 and over only need a single pneumococcal vaccination. This vaccine is not given annually like the flu jab.
People with a long-term health condition may need just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination or vaccination every 5 years, depending on their underlying health problem.
If you are eligible for this vaccination please contact the surgery on 01257 513970 to book your appointment.
