Get your pneumonia vaccine at Well Pharmacy

You can get a pneumococcal vaccination at one of our community pharmacies. If you want to learn more about the pneumonia jab, here we run through what pneumonia is, what causes it, who is at risk, and why you may consider having the pneumococcal vaccine.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection which affects your lungs. It causes the insides of your lungs to become inflamed, to produce more mucus and to fill up with fluid. This can make you cough and wheeze and can make it more difficult to breathe.

Pneumonia can be a serious and lasting infection, and it can lead to other serious conditions like meningitis as well as a form of blood poisoning called septicaemia. In some groups of people, such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases, pneumonia can be dangerous and even fatal. 

What causes pneumonia?

Pneumonia has different causes, including other diseases as well as viral and fungal infections.  It is most often caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus. The bacteria infect the inside of your lungs, causing inflammation in your lung tissue. 

How do you catch pneumococcal pneumonia?

You catch pneumonia caused by a pneumococcal infection by coming into contact with pneumococcal bacteria. If someone with the bacterial infection coughs or sneezes near you, you can inhale the bacteria. You can also get it by touching a surface or object an infected person has recently touched, and then touching your nose or mouth.

Who is at risk of catching pneumococcal pneumonia?

Anyone can catch pneumococcal pneumonia. However, certain groups of people are more likely to catch it and more likely to have serious infections. They include:

• Older adults (especially over the age of 65)
• Babies and infants
• People with a weakened immune system
• Anyone with chronic respiratory diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Those with other chronic diseases including diabetes, heart conditions, kidney disease, liver disease and HIV/AIDS 
• Smokers

What is the pneumococcal vaccine?

The pneumococcal vaccine (also called the pneumonia vaccine or pneumonia jab) is a vaccine that protects against pneumonia caused by a pneumococcal infection.

The pneumococcal vaccine contains parts of a range of different types of pneumococcal bacteria, not whole bacteria. The parts it contains are inactive. This means the vaccine can’t give you an infection, but it does give your immune system a chance to develop antibodies that can kill the bacteria. This gives you immunity against the pneumococcal bacteria that are most likely to cause pneumococcal pneumonia.

Who is the Well pneumonia vaccination service suitable for?

Our pneumococcal vaccination service is suitable for people two years of age and older.

You or your child can have the vaccine as long as you, or they:

• Haven’t previously had the vaccine
• Haven’t had an allergic reaction to a vaccine before
• Don't have a medical condition that affects the immune system
• Don’t have a fever on the day of the appointment

Who can get a free pneumonia vaccination on the NHS?

Some people are eligible for a free pneumococcal vaccination as they’re at a higher risk of catching pneumonia. They include: 

• Babies
• People aged 65 and over
• Anyone from the ages of 2 to 64 with a health condition that increases their risk of pneumococcal infection
• Anyone who’s occupation puts them at increased risk, such as welders

The NHS has more information on who should receive the pneumococcal vaccine due to health conditions.

Is the pneumococcal vaccine safe?

The pneumococcal vaccine is a safe, easy and effective way to protect yourself or your family against the pneumococcal bacteria that cause most cases of pneumonia in the UK. 

Every vaccination goes through rigorous clinical trials before it is approved for use. They are also continually monitored by experts to make sure they are safe. That said, vaccines can cause some side effects in some people. These tend to be mild and short-lasting with the pneumococcal vaccine, however.

Where can I find out more?

If you can’t find the answer to your question on our website and would like to talk to someone in person, our pharmacists are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the pneumococcal vaccine. Find your nearest Well Pharmacy. 

How much does it cost?

If you’re under 65 years old, you will have the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) which costs £70. 

If you’re 65 years or older, you can usually receive a pneumonia vaccine from your GP. We are currently not offering the Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) in our pharmacies due to a temporary stock shortage however, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV is available for all group ages which cost £70