Pneumonia vaccine
Pneumonia vaccine, protects against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. unlike the flu vaccination, you can get the pneumococcal vaccination at any time of year.
We offer private pneumonia vaccine and also nhs pneumonia vaccine
If you are high risk and usually get the pneumococcal vaccine on the nhs. these will include:
- Babies under 2 years old
- Adults over 65 years old
- People with long-term health conditions, like chronic kidney or heart disease.
Private pneumonia vaccine (£35):
All patients over 2 years of age, who have not previously been immunised with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (ppv23).
Call our pharmacy today to find out more.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is swelling (inflammation) of the tissue in one or both lungs. it’s usually caused by a bacterial infection. it can also be caused by a virus, such as coronavirus (covid-19).
Symptoms of pneumonia
The symptoms of pneumonia can develop suddenly over 24 to 48 hours, or they may come on more slowly over several days.
Common symptoms of pneumonia include:
- A cough – which may be dry, or produce thick yellow, green, brown or blood-stained mucus (phlegm)
- Difficulty breathing – your breathing may be rapid and shallow, and you may feel breathless, even when resting
- Rapid heartbeat
- High temperature
- Feeling generally unwell
- Sweating and shivering
- Loss of appetite
- Chest pain – which gets worse when breathing or coughing
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of appetite
Less common symptoms include:
- Coughing up blood (haemoptysis)
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Wheezing
- Joint and muscle pain
- Feeling confused and disorientated, particularly in elderly people
Who's affected
Pneumonia can affect people of any age, but it’s more common, and can be more serious, in certain groups of people, such as the very young or the elderly.
People in these groups are more likely to need hospital treatment if they develop pneumonia.
What causes pneumonia
Pneumonia is usually the result of a bacterial infection.
As well as bacterial pneumonia, other types include:
- Viral pneumonia – caused by a virus, such as coronavirus
- Aspiration pneumonia – caused by breathing in vomit, a foreign object, such as a peanut, or a harmful substance, such as smoke or a chemical
- Fungal pneumonia – rare in the uk and more likely to affect people with a weakened immune system
- Hospital-acquired pneumonia – pneumonia that develops in hospital while being treated for another condition or having an operation; people in intensive care on breathing machines are particularly at risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia read more
Pneumonia vaccine frequently asked questions
Unlike the flu vaccine , which must be given seasonally, the pneumonia vaccine can be given at any point in the year, as you can develop pneumonia all year round. however, flu season and the winter months is a particularly important time to get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia.
Yes, you can speak to a member of our pharmacy team to book your flu and pneumonia vaccine today.
No, the vaccine will not give you pneumonia. our pharmacy team will be able to answer any additional questions you may have at the time of your appointment.
Like all vaccines, pneumonia vaccines can cause some side effects. most are mild and get better in a few days. some patients don’t have any side effects of the vaccine. the most common side effects are: pain, swelling, hardness or redness where the injection has been given decreased of appetite increase in temperature muscle and joint pains very rarely the vaccines may cause a severe allergic reaction. this would normally happen within minutes of receiving the vaccine. our pharmacist will be prepared to treat you appropriately should this occur.
No, if you’re feeling unwell with a high temperature, we advise that you don’t get the vaccine. if you’ve already booked an appointment and feel unwell, please call our pharmacy to cancel or change to a time when you are feeling better.
A pneumonia infection can last up to six months, however how long pneumonia lasts depends upon the severity of your symptoms.
Yes, after starting treatment your symptoms should improve, find out more about available treatments by asking your gp or our pharmacist
Pneumonia affects your lungs and in turn your breathing, read more on pneumonia symptoms here.
Pneumonia can be life threatening if left untreated, and your symptoms are severe you may need hospital treatment. if you think you have pneumonia speak to your doctor.
The best medicine and treatment for pneumonia will depend upon the severity of your condition. for more information, talk to our pharmacist or your gp.