The pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. It’s also known as the pneumonia vaccine.

Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia (a kind of blood poisoning) and meningitis. 

A pneumococcal infection can affect anyone. But some people are at higher risk of serious illness, so it’s recommended they’re given the pneumococcal vaccination on the NHS.

These include:

• babies
• adults aged 65 or over
• children and adults who are at risk of pneumococcal infection, such as those with a erious heart or kidney infection including those with severe autoimmunity

This vaccine is not given annually like the flu jab. Usually you only need a single pneumococcal vaccination.  If you have a long-term health condition you may only need a single, one-off pneumococcal vaccination, or a vaccination every 5 years, depending on your underlying health problem.

If you or a family member is in this group, please contact us to check eligibility.

For more information about the Pneumonia vaccine please visit the NHS website by following this link:>>.