Pneumonia

Why get vaccinated?

Pneumococcal infections are caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The infections can lead to illnesses such as:

  • pneumonia (lung infection)
  • ear infection
  • meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord)
  • septicaemia (a type of blood poisoning)
  • sinus infections
Severe infections cause brain damage, or even death.

Although pneumonia is more likely to severely affect patients under 2 and over 65 as well as those with long term health conditions, pneumonia can affect anyone.

The vaccine protects you against pneumococcal infections and the complications it can cause.

Pneumonia Injection

The pneumococcal vaccine protects you against pneumococcal infections, which can be dangerous and potentially fatal.
There are two different types of the vaccine:

  • the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) – £75
  • the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) – £30
We offer the pneumococcal vaccination for patients over the age of two.

Who can have the vaccine?

Not everyone can have the pneumococcal vaccine.You can’t have it if you:
  • have a vaccine allergy
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • have a fever or temperature at the time of your appointment
Which side effects can it cause?

It isn’t possible to catch a pneumococcal infection from the vaccine, because it doesn’t contain any live bacteria. It is a very safe vaccine, but like all vaccinations, it can cause some side effects.

How can you prevent pneumonia?

Any activity that causes damage to your lungs increases your risk of pneumonia. In order to prevent pneumonia, avoid smoking and inhaling second hand smoke. Drinking more alcohol than recommended can also weaken your lungs and make them more susceptible to infection.

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue, usually caused by a bacterial infection, but can also be caused by viruses or breathing in harmful substances. This infection can spread from the nose and throat, and through inhaling droplets after someone sneezes. The bacterial infection can occur as a complication of other viral infections too so avoiding catching viral infections in general may also help you avoid complications such as pneumonia. Wash your hands regularly, use tissues when you sneeze and dispose of any tissues without delay.
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