What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs, it causes inflammation which can make it difficult to breathe. It can affect people of any age, but it’s more common, and can be more serious, in certain groups of people, such as the very young or the elderly, those with long term conditions such as diabetes and those with a weakened immune system.
What causes pneumonia?
There are many causes of pneumonia, the most common are viruses and bacteria, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) or Streptococcus bacteria.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
Pneumonia symptoms can develop suddenly over 24 to 48 hours, or they can come on more slowly over several days. According to the NHS common symptoms are:
- A cough: which may be dry, or produce think yellow, green, brown, or blood-stained mucus (phlegm)
- Difficulty breathing: your breathing may be rapid and shallow, and you may feel breathless, even when resting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Rapid heartbeat
- Feeling generally unwell
- Sweating and shivering
- Loss of appetite
- Chest pain: which gets worse when breathing or coughing
Less common symptoms include:
- Coughing up blood
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Wheezing
- Joint or muscle pain
- Feeling confused and disorientated, particularly in elderly people
If you have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell, use the 111 online coronavirus service. If you have other symptoms of pneumonia, contact your GP or use the regular 111 online service.
Who should have the pneumococcal vaccine?
A pneumococcal infection can affect anyone. However, some people need the pneumococcal vaccination because they are at higher risk of complications. These include:
- all children under the age of two
- adults aged 65 or over
- children and adults with certain long-term health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition.
How often is the pneumococcal vaccine given?
Babies receive the pneumococcal vaccine as three separate injections, at 2 months, 4 months and 12-13 months.
People over-65 only need a single pneumococcal vaccination which will protect for life. It is not given annually like the flu jab.
People with a long term health condition may need just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination or five-yearly vaccination depending on their underlying health problem.
How long before the pneumonia vaccine takes effect?
It can take between 2 to 3 weeks to become fully effective and be immunised from pneumonia.
When should I get the pneumococcal vaccine?
Unlike the flu vaccine, which must be given seasonally, the pneumonia vaccine can be given at any point in the year, as you can develop pneumonia all year round. However, flu season and the winter months is a particularly important time to get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia.
Can I get the flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine at the same time?
Yes, you can book an appointment with our practice nurse or speak to a member of our reception team to book your flu and pneumonia vaccine.
Do I need to book an appointment?
We recommend you that you book an appointment with our practice nurse by calling our Reception team on 020 8675 3521.
What are the pneumonia vaccine side effects?
Like all vaccines, pneumonia vaccines can cause some side effects. Most are mild and get better in a few days. Some patients don’t have any side effects of the vaccine.
The most common side effects are:
- Pain, swelling, hardness or redness where the injection has been given
- Decreased of appetite
- Increase in temperature
- Muscle and joint pains
Very rarely the vaccines may cause a severe allergic reaction. This would normally happen within minutes of receiving the vaccine. Our pharmacist will be prepared to treat you appropriately should this occur.
Can I get the vaccine if I’m feeling unwell?
No, if you’re feeling unwell with a high temperature, we advise that you don’t get the vaccine. If you’ve already booked an appointment and feel unwell, please call your chosen pharmacy to cancel or change to a time when you are feeling better.
For more information on pneumonia, please click here.