The pneumococcal vaccine (or ‘pneumo jab’ or pneumonia vaccine as it is also known) protects against pneumococcal infections. In the North East there has been a significant rise in the cases since 2013. Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus Pneumoniae and can lead to pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia (a kind of blood posioning)
Who Should Have This Vaccine?
A pneumococcal infection can affect anyone, however, some people need the vaccine because they are at higher risk of complications.
These include:
- All children under 2 years of age
- Adults over 65
- Chornic Liver Disease
- Chronic Lung conditions
- Immunosuppression (no spleen, sickle cell or coeliac disease)
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Cochlear Implants
How Often Should it be Given?
Babies receive the pneumococcal vaccines as 3 separate injections at 2 months, 4 months and 12-13 months. People over 65 only need a single pneumococcal vaccine which will protect for life. People with a longterm health condition may need just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination or five yearly depending on their underlying health problem.