Allergic reactions
Before having a pneumococcal vaccination, inform your GP if you have had a bad reaction to any vaccination in the past.
If you have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction (a severe allergic reaction) to the vaccine, or any ingredient in the vaccine, you should not have it. However, if it was only a mild reaction, such as a rash, it is probably safe for you to have the vaccine.
Being unwell
If you are mildly unwell at the time of the vaccination, it is still safe to have the vaccine. However, if you are ‘actively unwell’, for example, if you have a high temperature (fever), it is likely that the vaccination will be delayed. This is because it will be difficult to tell the difference between the symptoms of your condition and a bad reaction to the vaccine.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The pneumococcal vaccine is thought to be safe to have during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a precaution, if you are pregnant, you may be advised to wait until you have had your baby (unless the benefits of having the vaccine outweigh the risks to your baby).
Suppressed immune system
If you have a suppressed immune system, for example, because you have HIV or AIDS, you may need to have extra doses of the pneumococcal vaccination. This is because you may not produce enough antibodies (proteins that destroy disease-carrying organisms) to provide immunity after the standard dose of the vaccine. Ask you GP for more information about this.
