The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. It's recommended for people at higher risk of these illnesses, such as babies and adults aged 65 and over.

What the pneumococcal vaccine is for

The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against some types of bacterial infections that can cause serious illnesses like:

• meningitis (an infection in the brain and spinal cord)
• sepsis (a life-threatening reaction to an infection)
• pneumonia (an infection in the lungs)

It can also help protect against other illnesses such as sinusitis and ear infections.

Who should have the pneumococcal vaccine

The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for babies, older people, and people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from pneumococcal infections.

• Babies- 1st dose at 12 weeks and a booster dose at 1 year
• People aged 65 and over- 1 dose when you're 65
• Children and adults at higher risk of getting seriously ill- At least 1 dose (some people may need extra doses or regular doses)

How to get the pneumococcal vaccine

Contact us if you: 

• you have not been contacted to get the pneumococcal vaccine, but you think you or your child are eligible
• you or your child have missed your pneumococcal vaccinations, or you're not sure if you've been vaccinated
• you or your child are unwell – you may need to wait until you're feeling better before having the vaccine
• you need to change a vaccination appointment

To find out more about the Pneumococcal vaccine, please visit: NHS- Pneumococcal Vaccine