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. 

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.

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. Please speak with your GP for more information.

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.**

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.

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:

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

These include:

Your doctor will be able to tell you if you’re at risk and are eligible for an NHS pneumonia vaccine. 

Babies born on or after 1^st January 2020 will have the vaccine as part of their routine childhood vaccinations.

You may want to ask your GP about the vaccine and whether you can have it once your baby has been born.

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.

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.

No, the vaccine will not give you pneumonia.

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:

Very rarely the vaccines may cause a severe allergic reaction. This would normally happen within minutes of receiving the vaccine. 

No. If you’re feeling unwell with a high temperature, we advise that you don’t get the vaccine. 

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.

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.

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.