Pneumococcal Immunisation Service – The Connaught

The pneumococcal immunisation helps protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. It is recommended for people at higher risk of these illnesses, such as babies and adults aged 65 and over.

What the pneumococcal immunisation is for?

The pneumococcal immunisation helps protect against some types of bacterial infections that can cause serious illnesses like:

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.

Who should have the pneumococcal immunisation?

The pneumococcal immunisation is recommended for babies, older people, and people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from pneumococcal infections.

When the pneumococcal immunisation is 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 may need extra doses or regular doses)

Please contact our Reception if you or your child have missed a pneumococcal immunisation.

Who cannot have the pneumococcal immunisation?

Most people can have the pneumococcal immunisation if they need it, including if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

You only cannot have the immunisation if you have had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the immunisation or an ingredient in the immunisation.

Getting immunised if you are unwell

If 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 immunisation.

You can get the pneumococcal immunisation at the same time as other immunisations, such as the flu immunisation.

Side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine

Like all medicines, the pneumococcal vaccine can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

The most common side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine include:

swelling or pain where the injection was given

a high temperature

feeling tired

loss of appetite

Babies and children may also feel a bit unwell and irritable.

You can give them child’s paracetamol or child’s ibuprofen 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.