Your one stop Vaccination Clinic
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal Vaccine
We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication
Pneumococcal
Pneumonia is a serious and potentially life-threatening chest infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs. It is most commonly caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, although it can also be triggered by other bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The condition leads to the lungs filling with fluid or pus, which makes breathing difficult and reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the bloodstream. Pneumonia can affect people of all ages but poses the greatest risk to young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. It is more prevalent during the winter months, when respiratory infections tend to circulate more widely. Prompt diagnosis and treatment—usually with antibiotics for bacterial forms—are essential to avoid complications such as respiratory failure, sepsis, or long-term lung damage. Vaccination and good hygiene practices can help prevent many cases of pneumonia, particularly in at-risk groups.
Vaccination Pricing
£79 per course
Signs and Symptoms?
Fever and chills
Shortness of breath, even while resting
Fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite
Headache and muscle aches
Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic
General Contact & Travel Vaccination
Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic
General Contact & Travel Vaccination
The Vaccination
| Ages (Years) | Doses Required | Schedule | Boost required at |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years and older | 1 | N/A | N/A |
Pneumococcal disease refers to a range of infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is commonly found in the noses and throats of healthy individuals, particularly children, but can occasionally invade other parts of the body and cause serious illness. The severity of pneumococcal disease varies widely. It can result in relatively mild illnesses such as sinusitis and ear infections, but it is also a leading cause of life-threatening conditions including pneumonia (a lung infection), septicaemia (blood poisoning), and meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). These invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) are more likely to affect babies, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory illnesses. The bacterium is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Although antibiotics can treat most pneumococcal infections, rising antibiotic resistance has made prevention through vaccination increasingly important.
Pneumococcal bacteria are transmitted from person to person via droplets in the air, typically through coughing, sneezing, or close contact. Carriers of the bacteria—who may not display any symptoms themselves—can unknowingly spread it to others. While many people, particularly children, carry the bacteria harmlessly in their nasopharynx, it can become invasive under certain conditions, particularly if the immune system is compromised. Preventative measures include good respiratory hygiene, such as covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing and frequent handwashing. However, the most effective form of prevention is vaccination. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against several of the most dangerous strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is particularly important for infants, older adults (aged 65 and over), and those with certain medical conditions that make them more susceptible to infection. In the UK, the pneumococcal vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule and is also offered to at-risk groups through the NHS.
The symptoms of pneumococcal disease depend on the type of infection it causes. In the case of pneumococcal pneumonia, common symptoms include high fever, chills, chest pain, cough with phlegm, difficulty breathing, and general fatigue. If the infection leads to meningitis, symptoms may involve severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, unconsciousness. For septicaemia, signs include fever, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, and cold extremities. In children, symptoms may be more subtle and include irritability, poor feeding, vomiting, and lethargy. Milder pneumococcal infections such as sinusitis and middle ear infections can cause facial pain, pressure, and earache, often accompanied by a fever. Invasive pneumococcal disease progresses rapidly and requires urgent medical attention. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to avoid severe complications or death. Prompt administration of antibiotics can be effective, but vaccination remains the most reliable form of long-term protection.
TTThe duration of protection provided by the pneumococcal vaccine depends on the specific type administered and the age and health of the recipient. In the UK, there are two main types of pneumococcal vaccine: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13), which is primarily given to infants and young children, and Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPV23), typically administered to adults over 65 and those in high-risk groups. The PCV13 vaccine, given in multiple doses during infancy, offers long-lasting immunity and forms part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. For most healthy adults, a single dose of PPV23 is sufficient, providing protection for at least 5 to 10 years. However, for those with ongoing medical conditions or weakened immune systems, a booster dose may be recommended after several years. While the vaccine may not prevent all pneumococcal infections, it significantly reduces the risk of serious disease, hospitalisation, and death, especially among vulnerable groups.
Unlike some vaccines recommended specifically for travel, the pneumococcal vaccine is not typically tied to visiting certain countries. Instead, its necessity is based on individual health status and age rather than geographic location. However, travellers with chronic health conditions, older adults, or those planning extended stays in areas where access to medical care is limited may benefit from the added protection of the pneumococcal vaccine. It is particularly advisable for people with compromised immune systems or respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who may be more susceptible to serious infections while abroad. Moreover, in regions where there may be limited access to antibiotics or hospitals, preventing the disease through vaccination is a sensible precaution. Anyone unsure about whether the vaccine is necessary before travel should consult their healthcare provider or travel clinic well in advance of departure.
The pneumococcal vaccine is considered safe and well-tolerated, with side effects usually being mild and temporary. The most common side effect is tenderness, swelling, or redness at the site of the injection, which may last for a couple of days. Some individuals may experience a low-grade fever, fatigue, or mild muscle aches after receiving the vaccine. These symptoms are generally short-lived and do not require medical attention. Rarely, more pronounced reactions such as high fever or allergic responses can occur, but these are very uncommon. As with all vaccines, the risk of a serious adverse event is significantly outweighed by the benefits of protection against a potentially life-threatening illness. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any component of the vaccine should not receive it. Healthcare professionals will assess each individual’s medical history to determine eligibility and provide reassurance about the vaccine’s safety profile.
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The Worcester Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.
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