A vaccine that protects against pneumococcal infections
Pneumococcal vaccine
A vaccine that helps protect against pneumococcal infections such as some types of pneumonia, meningitis and blood poisoning.
What is Pneumococcal vaccine?
The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, which can lead to serious illnesses such as some types of pneumonia, meningitis (infection around the brain) and blood poisoning (sepsis). It is given as an injection and is offered within the UK health service to groups at higher risk, such as babies, older adults and people with certain long-term conditions. The most common effects are soreness where the injection is given and sometimes a mild fever, which settle quickly. The exact vaccine and number of doses depend on your age and health, so follow the UK immunisation schedule and your healthcare professional's advice.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Pneumococcal vaccine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
The pneumococcal vaccine is a vaccine that helps the body build its own protection against pneumococcal bacteria, a common cause of serious infections including some types of pneumonia, meningitis and blood poisoning. There are different versions used in different age groups, and it is given as an injection. In the UK it is offered free within the UK health service to people at higher risk, such as young children, adults aged over a certain age and people with particular long-term health conditions. It works to prevent infection, so it is given before illness rather than to treat one.
How it works
The pneumococcal vaccine works by showing the immune system harmless parts of the pneumococcal bacteria, so the body learns to recognise them and make protective antibodies. If the person later meets the real bacteria, their immune system can respond quickly and is much more likely to fight off the infection or make it far less serious. Because protection builds after vaccination and the immune system needs the right exposure, the type of vaccine and number of doses are matched to a person's age and health, which is why the use in the UKs a set schedule.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Various manufacturers.
A vaccine offered in the UK within the UK health service to help protect against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including in babies and older adults.
Practical use
How to take Pneumococcal vaccine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given by a healthcare professional as an injection, usually into the upper arm or, in babies, the thigh.
- Follow the UK immunisation schedule for your age and health, as the version and number of doses vary.
- Have any booster or further doses advised for you, as some people need more than one.
- It can usually be given at the same time as other vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.
- Mention any previous serious reaction to a vaccine before having it.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Pneumococcal vaccine
Advantages
- Helps protect against serious pneumococcal infections such as some pneumonia, meningitis and blood poisoning.
- Offered free within the UK health service to groups at higher risk, such as babies and older adults.
- Helps the body build its own lasting protection and can be given with other vaccines.
Disadvantages
- It is a preventive measure and does not treat an infection you already have.
- Can cause soreness at the injection site and sometimes a mild fever.
- The right version and number of doses vary by age and health, so advice is needed.
Practical use
Good to know
The main thing to know is that the pneumococcal vaccine is a preventive measure: it helps stop serious pneumococcal infections rather than treating an illness you already have. The version given and the number of doses depend on your age and health, so it is best to follow the UK immunisation schedule and the advice of your healthcare professional rather than assume one size fits all. The most common effects are soreness, redness or swelling where the injection is given, and sometimes a mild fever or feeling a little unwell for a day or two, which settle quickly. Serious allergic reactions are very rare but possible, so vaccines are given where they can be managed. It can usually be given at the same time as other vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or to a vaccine ingredient should not have it.
- If someone is unwell with a high fever, the vaccine is usually delayed until they are better.
- Speak to your healthcare professional about timing if you have a condition or treatment that affects the immune system.
Monitoring
- Checking you have had the doses recommended for your age and health.
- Watching briefly after the injection for any immediate allergic reaction.
- Reviewing whether a booster is due over time for certain groups.
Side effects
- Soreness, redness or swelling where the injection is given.
- A mild fever, tiredness or feeling a little unwell for a day or two.
- Rarely, a serious allergic reaction, which is why vaccines are given where it can be managed.
Key interactions
- It can usually be given at the same time as other vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.
- There are few well-established routine medicine interactions, but tell the team about your medicines.
- Treatments that affect the immune system may change how well it works, so seek advice.
Available as: A solution given as an injection, usually into the upper arm or thigh.
Answers
Pneumococcal vaccine: frequently asked questions
What does the pneumococcal vaccine protect against?
It helps protect against infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, which can lead to serious illnesses such as some types of pneumonia, meningitis and blood poisoning.
Who is offered it?
In the UK it is offered free within the UK health service to people at higher risk, such as young children, older adults and people with certain long-term health conditions.
How many doses will I need?
This depends on your age and health; some people need a single dose and others need more, so it is best to follow the UK immunisation schedule and your healthcare professional's advice.
What are the common side effects?
The most common effects are soreness, redness or swelling where the injection is given and sometimes a mild fever, which settle quickly.
Can I have it with the flu vaccine?
Yes, it can usually be given at the same time as other vaccines such as the flu vaccine; your healthcare professional will advise.
The wider class
About Vaccine (pneumococcal disease)
Pneumococcal vaccine belongs to the vaccine (pneumococcal disease) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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