Pneumococcal VaccineWhat the pneumococcal vaccine is forThe pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against some types of bacterial infections that can cause serious illnesses like:
Some types of pneumococcal vaccine can also help protect against other illnesses such as sinusitis and ear infections. Who should have the pneumococcal vaccineThe pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for babies, older people, and people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from pneumococcal infections. Contact your GP surgery if you or your child have missed a pneumococcal vaccination. Your child can have the vaccine up until they turn 2 years old. How to get the pneumococcal vaccineYour GP surgery will usually contact you if you or your child are eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine. This will usually be by letter, text, phone call or email. If you are a welder or metal worker, speak to your employer about getting the vaccine. Speak to your GP surgery if:
Your GP surgery can book or rearrange an appointment. Having the pneumococcal vaccine at the same time as other vaccinesYou can get the pneumococcal vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, such as the flu vaccine. Who cannot have the pneumococcal vaccineMost people can have the pneumococcal vaccine if they need it, including if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. You only cannot have the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. Getting vaccinated if you're unwellIf you or your child have a high temperature or feel too unwell to do your normal activities, wait until you're feeling better before having the vaccine. Pneumococcal vaccine ingredientsThere are 2 types of pneumococcal vaccine given in the UK. You can check the ingredients in the patient leaflets:
Side effects of the pneumococcal vaccineLike all medicines, the pneumococcal vaccine can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Common side effectsThe most common side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine include:
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. Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if your baby:
Allergic reactionsMore serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are very rare and usually happen within minutes. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately. More about vaccine safetyFind out more about why vaccinations are important and the safest way to protect yourself How well the pneumococcal vaccine works and how long it lastsVaccination 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. Most adults only need 1 dose of the vaccine for long-term protection. Most babies need 2 doses to protect them. Sexual Health AdviceThroughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:
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