Pneumonia vaccinations

• Why should I get the pneumonia vaccine?

  If you’re in one of the high-risk groups, then it is recommended that you get the pneumonia vaccine which is available on the NHS. People outside of the risk groups can also get the vaccine privately at your local LloydsPharmacy.

• What is the pneumonia vaccine and what does it protect against?

  The vaccine protects against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections, as well as the type of pneumonia caused by bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal pneumonia). It’s this bacterium that can lead to pneumonia and meningitis.

• How many types of pneumonia vaccines are available?

  We use the vaccine Prevenar 13, which covers 13 strains of the pneumonia virus.

  You may be eligible for a free NHS pneumonia vaccine, Pneumovax, if you are over the age of 65, or you have long term health conditions. We don’t provide the free NHS pneumonia service which uses the Pneumovax vaccine.Please speak with your GP for more information.

  If you have received the Pneumovax vaccine already, you can choose to top up your vaccine coverage by having Prevenar-13.

• How does the pneumonia vaccine work?

  The vaccine stimulates your immune system which results in an immune response. This helps the body develop immune memory, offering long-lasting protection from most of the common types of pneumonia.

  Although the pneumonia vaccination will not protect you against coronavirus, the WHO recommends vaccination against respiratory illnesses like pneumonia to help protect your health.**

• How long does a pneumonia vaccine last? When will it take effect?

  Generally, immunity given by a pneumonia vaccine tends to last a lifetime and therefore you may only need one vaccination. It can take between 2 to 3 weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective and be immunised from pneumonia.

  Depending on your age or whether you have a certain health condition and the type of vaccination you have, you may need a booster every five years. It’s best to speak to your doctor or a pharmacist about which option is right for you.

• How long will the in-store consultation take and how do I book an appointment?

  We recommend that you book an appointment, you can do this online with our booking form or by contacting your local LloydsPharmacy. Your pneumonia vaccination will take around 15 minutes.

• Am I eligible for a free pneumonia vaccine?

  We do not offer free NHS pneumonia vaccinations in our pharmacies. However, you may be able to get one at your GP surgery if you are high risk and usually get the pneumococcal vaccine on the NHS.

  These will include:

  • Babies under 2 years old
  • Adults over 65 years old
  • People with long-term health conditions, like chronic kidney or heart disease

• Is a private pneumonia vaccine suitable for me?

  Our pneumonia vaccine is suitable for adults over 18, you won’t be eligible for our vaccination service if you:

  • Are under 18 years old, including babies and children
  • Have a vaccine allergy
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have a fever or temperature at the time of your appointment

• Am I at risk of pneumonia? How do I know?

  Certain people are more at risk of developing pneumonia. These people are also entitled to a free NHS pneumonia jab.

  These include:

  • Babies
  • Adults aged 65 and over
  • Those aged 2-64 with a health condition that increases their risk of pneumonia infections
  • Anyone in an occupation that poses a risk

  Your doctor will be able to tell you if you’re at risk and are eligible for an NHS pneumonia vaccine. You can also receive our pneumonia vaccine, Prevenar 13, for an added layer of protection.

• Can children have the pneumococcal vaccine?

  We won’t be able to vaccinate children and babies at our pharmacies. However, babies born on or after 1^st January 2020 will have the vaccine as part of their routine childhood vaccinations.

• Can I have the vaccine if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

  Sorry, we’re unable to give you the pneumonia vaccination if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. You may want to ask your GP about the vaccine and whether you can have it once your baby has been born.

• Should diabetics get the pneumonia vaccine?

  According to the NHS, people living with diabetes in the UK, are recommended to have the pneumonia vaccine which is available on the NHS. Make sure to speak to your doctor or diabetic nurse about getting your pneumonia jab.

• How often is the pneumonia vaccine given? How often can I have it

  You don’t need a pneumonia vaccination every year. For most people, you will only need to have a single pneumonia vaccination during your lifetime. However, how often you need a vaccine will depend on your age and whether you have certain long-term health conditions.

  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 are 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 online or speak to a member of our pharmacy team to book your flu and pneumonia vaccine today.

• Will the pneumonia vaccine give me pneumonia?

  No, the vaccine will not give you pneumonia. Our pharmacy team will be able to answer any additional questions you may have at the time of your appointment.

• 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 people 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 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're feeling better.

• How long does pneumonia last for and can it be cured?

  A pneumonia infection can last up to six months. However how long pneumonia lasts depends upon the severity of your symptoms. Pneumonia can be cured, after starting treatment your symptoms should improve, find out more about available treatments in our guide.

• What happens to your body if pneumonia is left untreated?

  Pneumonia affects your lungs and in turn your breathing, our pneumonia symptoms guide explains exactly what happens to your body when you get pneumonia. Pneumonia can be life-threatening if left untreated, and your symptoms are severe you may need hospital treatment. If you think you have pneumonia speak to your doctor.

• What is the best medicine for pneumonia?

  The best medicine and treatment for pneumonia will depend upon the severity of your condition. Our treatment guide details which medicines can help relieve pneumonia symptoms.

This year’s pneumonia campaign has been co-funded by Pfizer in a collaborative working model. With the help of Pfizer’s wealth of experience and knowledge, we have been able to develop enhanced marketing materials to educate store colleagues and customers on pneumonia and the pneumococcal vaccination. Results of this marketing campaign will be published in due course. For more information, go to https://www.pfizer.co.uk/uk-health-system/working-with-nhs-and-other-healthcare-organisations/collaborative-working/lloyds-pharmacy-and-pfizer-vaccines

Our pharmacy team have put the appropriate Covid Infection Prevention and Control measures in place to ensure that we can provide services, care and advice to you safely.