Everybody aged 65 and over should now be immunised to help protect them against pneumococcal infection. The following information describes these diseases and explains how you can protect yourself by having the pneumococcal (or pneumo) vaccine.
Q. What is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease is the term used to describe a range of illnesses such as pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and meningitis (inflammation around the brain), when these are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Q. How is it spread?
The bacteria (germs) that cause pneumococcal disease are spread by coughing, sneezing or close contact between people. The bacteria get into the nose and throat and they may stay there without doing any harm. But sometimes they can invade the lungs or bloodstream causing pneumonia and septicaemia, or they can reach the brain and cause meningitis.
Q. How can it be prevented?
Immunisation with the pneumococcal vaccine (pneumo vaccine for short) helps prevent pneumococcal disease. This vaccine has been successfully used in a number of countries, including the UK for more than 10 years.
Q. Who is at risk?
Everybody is at risk of pneumococcal disease, but the risk increases as you get older. You are particularly vulnerable if you are over 65, especially if you have a lung or heart condition, diabetes mellitus, no spleen or weakened immune system (e.g. being treated for cancer). So everyone aged 65 and over is now being offered a routine pneumococcal jab.
Q. What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of pneumococcal infection of the lungs are:
 | A high fever |
| Coughing |
| Shaking chills |
| Breathlessness |
| Chest pains, and |
| Confusion |
The symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis are:
| A severe headache |
| A stiff neck |
| A high fever |
| Confusion, and |
| Being sensitive to light |
You should contact the doctor if any symptom is causing you concern.
Q. Do I need to do anything to get the jab?
No, we will invite you in for the jab. You can have it at the same time as your flu jab to save an extra visit. It is okay to have the two jabs at the same time. If you do not hear from us, check that we have got your correct contact details.
Q. Is it possible to get the disease from the vaccine?
No, you cannot get pneumococcal disease from the vaccine as it does not contain live bacteria.
Q. Will there be any side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and don’t last very long. Your arm may be swollen and sore where you had the injection. Very occasionally you may have a fever or muscle pain.
Q. How often will I need this vaccine?
Most people will only need to have the vaccine once. You may need a second dose if you have certain conditions such as:
A damaged spleen or no spleen
or
Problems with your kidneys.
Talk to the doctor or practice nurse if you think this applies to you.
Q. I think I’ve already had this jab. Do I need another one?
Check with the doctor or practice nurse if you think you’ve already had the jab. Unless you have one of the conditions listed above, you shouldn’t need another jab.
Q. Will people under 65 also be given the vaccine?
Some people who are at higher risk from infection, such as those with other illnesses and medical conditions, are already being vaccinated against pneumococcal disease . However, as people over 65 are most at risk from pneumococcal disease a routine vaccination is being offered to every one in this age group now.
Q. I’d like to know more
You can get more information about the pneumococcal vaccine from the doctor or practice nurse, or you can call NHS Direct on 08454647. You can also visit the NHS website at
www.immunisation.nhs.uk
For more information, a ‘pneumococcal vaccine for older people’ fact sheet is available from the address below.
Immunisation information
Dept. of Health Publications
Tel. 08701 555 455
E-mail. doh@prolog.uk.com
08700 102 870 Text phone (for minicom users)
for the hard of hearing 8am to 6pm Mon to Fri