Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is sometimes referred to as the pneumococcus bacterium.
Pneumococcal infections can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia (a kind of blood poisoning) and meningitis.
Read more about why the pneumococcal vaccination is needed.
Who should have the pneumo jab?
A pneumococcal infection can affect anyone. However, some people need the pneumococcal vaccination because they are at higher risk of complications. These include:
- all children under the age of two
- adults aged 65 or over
- children and adults with certain long-term health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition
Read more about who should have the pneumo jab.
Two types of pneumococcal vaccine
There are two different types of pneumococcal vaccine:
More than 90 different strains of the pneumococcal bacterium have been identified, though only between eight and 10 of them cause the most serious infections.
The childhood vaccine (PCV) protects against 13 strains of the pneumococcal bacterium, while the adult vaccine (PPV) protects against 23 strains.
The adult pneumococcal vaccine is more effective than the childhood version. It's thought to be around 50 to 70% better at preventing more serious types of pneumococcal disease. But the adult version of the jab doesn't work in children under 2.
Read about how the pneumococcal vaccine works.
Who shouldn't have the pneumo jab?
Occasionally, you or your child may need to delay having the vaccination or avoid it completely:
Vaccine allergy
Tell your GP if you or your child has had a bad reaction to any vaccination in the past. If there's been a confirmed severe allergic reaction, called an anaphylactic reaction, to the pneumococcal vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine, it's best to avoid having it. However, if it was only a mild reaction, such as a rash, it is generally safe to have the vaccine.
Unwell with a fever
If you or your child are mildly unwell at the time of the vaccination, it's safe to have the vaccine. However, if you or your child are more seriously ill – for example with a high temperature – it's best to delay the vaccination until after recovery.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It's thought to be safe to have the pneumococcal vaccine during pregnancy and while you're breastfeeding. But, as a precaution, if you are pregnant you may want to wait until you have had your baby (unless the benefits of having the vaccine outweigh the risks to your child).
Weakened immune system
If you or your child have a suppressed immune system – for example, because of HIV or AIDS, spleen removal, or steroid tablets - you may need to have extra doses of the pneumococcal vaccination. This is because you may not produce enough antibodies to provide immunity after the standard dose of the vaccine. Ask your GP for more information.
Side effects of the pneumo jab
Although the pneumococcal vaccination is safe and rarely causes problems, both the childhood and adult versions of the vaccines can cause mild side effects, including:
- a mild fever
- redness at the site of the injection
- hardness or swelling at the site of the injection
In rare cases, some people react badly to the vaccine and develop serious side effects. If you or your child develop any unusual symptoms after having the vaccination, call your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Read more about the side effects of the pneumococcal vaccination.
