Pneumococcal Immunizations

What are Pneumococcal Immunizations ❓

 The Pneumococcal vaccine is an effective way to prevent disease such as pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis 🤒

 They work by telling the immune system how to create antibodies

 Antibodies protect you from the bacteria that causes the infection 🦠


What are the Different Pneumococcal Immunizations ❓

 There are two variations of vaccine: the PCV which protects against 13 strains; and the PPV which protects against 23 strains 💉

 Childhood:

 Babies are offered 2 doses of the PCV vaccine, at 12 weeks and at 1 year 👶

 Aged 65 and over:

 Those aged 65 and over are offered a single PPV vaccine 🧓

 Clinically at risk:

 Those with certain long-term health conditions are offered a single PPV vaccine

 Some people will be offered this vaccine every 5 years 📆


What do I Need to know about Pneumococcal Immunizations ❓

 It is usually a fast and small injection into the arm 💪

 They are very safe and always thoroughly tested

 They can help to save the lives of children and the vulnerable ✅


What are the Side Effects of Pneumococcal Immunizations ❓

 Redness of injection area 🔴

 Swelling of injection area (may be firm)

 Raised temperature/fever 🥵

 Rarely, people may have an allergic reaction


Related Articles
Everything you need to know about Childhood Immunizations in 60 seconds!
Everything you need to know about the Common Cold in 60 seconds!
About the author

The i-medics Editorial Team consists of Doctors, Medical Students, Professional Content writers, i-medics Ambassadors and Freelance workers.