Pneumonia Vaccination

Help protect yourself against pneumonia and other serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can affect people of any age, but it is more common and can be more serious in older adults and people with certain health conditions. Pneumococcal bacteria can also cause serious illnesses such as meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia).

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to reduce your risk.

At Allcare Pharmacy, our trained pharmacists provide the pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine in a private consultation room.

Price

The cost of the pneumonia vaccine depends on your eligibility:

• Free - If you are 65 years or older and hold a Medical Card, GP Visit Card or Health Amendment Act Card
• €28.50 - If you are 65 years or older, clinically eligible, and do not hold one of the above cards
• €49 - Private vaccination for customers who don't fall within the HSE eligibility criteria

Your pharmacist will confirm your eligibility and the cost with you before vaccination.

Who is the pneumonia vaccine recommended for?

The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for:

• All adults aged 65 years and over
• Adults aged 18+ with certain health conditions, including diabetes or chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease
• People with a weakened immune system due to illness or treatment
• Smokers or people with alcohol dependency
• People regularly exposed to fumes as part of their work (for example, welders)

Your pharmacist will assess suitability before vaccination and may advise referral to your GP in some cases.

What to expect at your appointment

• Appointments are available in participating Allcare Pharmacies
• The consultation usually takes around 15 minutes
• Your pharmacist will ask a few health questions, including your vaccination history, to make sure the vaccine is suitable for you
• The vaccine is given in the upper arm, so wearing a short sleeved or loose fitting top is recommended
• After vaccination, you’ll be asked to remain in the pharmacy for a short time as a precaution

The pneumonia vaccine can be given at the same time as your flu vaccination, with each vaccine administered in a different arm, where appropriate.

Most people only need to receive this vaccine once. Your pharmacist will advise if a further dose is recommended for you.

Who should not get the pneumococcal vaccine

• The vaccine is safe for most people.
• The PPV23 vaccine is not recommended for healthy children and younger adults, as they are at low risk of pneumococcal disease.
• Do not get this vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or to any ingredient in the vaccine.
• If you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to do your normal activities, wait until you're feeling better before having the vaccine.

Customer advice

• This vaccine helps protect against 23 types of pneumococcal disease, including those most likely to cause severe illness.
• Most adults develop protection within around 3 weeks of vaccination.
• If you are under 65 years of age, a booster vaccination may be recommended in some cases (usually around 5 years after the first dose), particularly if you have a condition that weakens your immune system or if you do not have a functioning spleen. Your pharmacist or GP can advise you.
• You cannot get pneumococcal disease from the vaccine, as it does not contain any live bacteria.
• The pneumococcal vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia).

Aftercare and possible side effects

Like all vaccines, the pneumonia vaccine can cause side effects, although most are mild and short lived.

Common side effects include:

• Pain, redness, swelling or tenderness at the injection site
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Mild flu like symptoms such as muscle aches or a low grade fever

These usually settle within a day or two.

Less commonly, you may feel generally unwell for a short time.

Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare. Your pharmacist is fully trained to recognise and manage any immediate reactions.

If you feel unwell after your vaccination or have any concerns, speak to your pharmacist or GP.

Book your pneumonia vaccination

Speak to your local Allcare pharmacist or book your appointment online today.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause moderate to severe illness. Despite advances in modern medicine, it still accounts for approximately 5% of deaths in Ireland with the people most at-risk being older people and very young children. Common symptoms of pneumonia include a persistent cough, fever and difficulty breathing.

Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of different microorganisms, by breathing in corrosive chemicals or by inhalation of toxic gases. Transmission usually requires close contact and person-to person transmission usually by droplet infection. The incubation period can vary but can be as short as 1-3 days.

What is the Pneumococcal Vaccine and how does it work?

• A common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).
• Pneumococcal infections can cause a range of illness from mild ear and sinus infections to more severe pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.
• Children under 2 years old and adults 65 years or older are among those most at risk of the disease.
• There are two types of pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumovax® is the type administered by your pharmacist and they can advise you if the vaccine is appropriate for you or they might refer you to your GP if necessary.
• The pharmacy vaccine protects against 23 types of pneumococcal disease in children and adults.
• The Pneumococcal Vaccine encourages your body to produce antibodies against pneumococcal bacteria. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body to prevent disease. They protect you from becoming ill, if you get an infection.

How do I avail of the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

To avail of a vaccination service, simply phone or call in to your nearest Allcare pharmacy and a member of the pharmacy team will check your eligibility and arrange an appointment for a time that is convenient for you.

When should I get the vaccination?