What the pneumococcal vaccine is for
The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against some types of bacterial infections that can cause serious illnesses, including:
- meningitis (an infection in the brain and spinal cord)
- sepsis (a life-threatening reaction to an infection)
- pneumonia (an infection in the lungs)
It can also help protect against other illnesses such as sinusitis and ear infections.
Am I eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine?
You are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from pneumococcal infections if you have:
- a long-term condition that affects your breathing such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis
- a long-term condition that affects your heart such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- chronic kidney disease
- a long-term condition that affects your liver such as cirrhosis
- diabetes
- a weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV, or a treatment such as steroid medicine or chemotherapy
- a condition where fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord leaks out (cerebrospinal fluid leaks)
- sickle cell disease, problems with your spleen or you have had your spleen removed
- cochlear implants
When should the pneumococcal vaccine be given?
| Who should have it | How many doses |
|---|---|
| Babies | 1st dose at 12 weeks and a booster dose at 1 year |
| People aged 65 and over | 1 dose when you’re 65 |
| Children and adults at higher risk of getting seriously ill | At least 1 dose (some people who are immunosuppressed may need extra doses or regular doses) |
How to get the pneumococcal vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine can only been given by a healthcare professional at your GP surgery. They will usually contact you if you or your child are eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine.
Vist NHS.uk for more information on the pneumococcal vaccination