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Disease
A Pneumonia Vaccination protects against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. Pneumococcal disease is the term used to describe infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus).
Transmission
• Transmission is by aerosol, droplets or direct contact with respiratory secretions of a person carrying the bacterium.
• Transmission typically involves either frequent or prolonged close contact.
• There is a seasonal variation in pneumococcal disease, with levels peaking in the winter months.
Epidemiology
• Globally pneumococcal diseases are a common cause of morbidity and mortality.
• Rates of disease and death are higher in developing countries, with the majority of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
• Disease is most common in young children and among the elderly
Pneumonia Vaccine Price: £45 (Per Dose)
Clinical Aspects
The incubation period for pneumococcal disease is not clearly defined but it may be as short as one to three days.
Risk of severe illness
Pneumococcal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the following high-risk groups:
• elderly
• very young
• impaired immunity
• those with no spleen or non-functioning spleen
Signs and Symptoms
Pneumococci are a common cause of acute otitis media. Symptoms may include:
• ear pain
• pyrexia
• malaise or weakness
Pneumococcal pneumonia
is the commonest serious form of pneumococcal disease. Typically, there is a single rigour, and repeated shaking chills are uncommon. Other common symptoms include:
• chest pain which is worse with deep inspiration
• cough productive of rusty sputum
• shortness of breath, rapid breathing and fast heart rate
• malaise or weakness
Pneumococcal meningitis
is an infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include:
• headache
• lethargy
• vomiting
• irritability
• fever
• neck stiffness
• coma
Pneumococcal bacteremia (without pneumonia)
may involve the following symptoms:
• pyrexia
• chills
• lethargy
• pain
• fast breathing and heart rate
Advice to travellers
• Travel itself does not increase the risk of acquiring pneumococcal infection, however, optimal health care facilities may be limited during travel should the disease occur.
• Increasing resistance to antibiotics underlines the importance of pneumonia vaccination.
When you should consider the Pneumonia vaccination?
All children should receive pneumococcal vaccines as per the routine British immunisation schedule.
The following high-risk groups should also be given the pneumonia vaccination as per the routine British immunisation schedule:
• from 65 years old
• immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
• asplenia or splenic dysfunction (including due to sickle cell and coeliac disease)
• cochlear implants
• chronic respiratory and heart conditions (such as severe asthma, chronic pulmonary disease, and heart failure)
• chronic neurological conditions (such as Parkinson’s or motor neurone disease, or learning disability)
• chronic kidney disease, including haemodialysis (stage 4 and 5)
• chronic liver conditions
• diabetes
How long does the Pneumonia vaccination last?
Normally one vaccination is given either under the skin or into a muscle and can be boosted at 5 years depending on risk factors.
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£30 booking deposit – Non-refundable on bookings cancelled 24hours prior to appointment
