Pneumonia Vaccine for Adults at our Highcliffe Private Clinic

Adults aged over 65 years are at increased risk of pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Other people at risk include people who have suffered previous respiratory infection, and people with reduced immunity from a variety of causes. The consequences can be serious and life-threatening, but infection is preventable.

Medical Extras are pleased to offer two different pneumonia vaccines. Pneumovax has been used in adults over 65 years of age for many years and is available free of charge to to those eligible for NHS care. It covers 23 strains of Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria. However, this vaccination programme has made very little difference to the rate of occurrence of pneumonia.

Medical Extras also offers Prevenar 13 which protects against 13 strains of Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria, and is much more effective. This vaccine is given routinely to infants as part of the standard childhood immunisation programme and has had a major impact on reducing the overall burden of pneumonia in children. Medical Extras are able to offer both pneumonia vaccines and you will need to contact us for the price. If you like to consider having a pneumonia please make an appointment to discuss the vaccination with our clinical team. We are happy to answer any questions.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, usually caused as a result of infection. The inflammation causes the tiny air spaces inside the lungs to fill with fluid and inflammatory cells, making it harder for the lungs to work properly. Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria are among the commonest causes of infection.

What does the pneumonia vaccine do?

Pneumonia vaccines protect against pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria.

Medical Extras offer both types of currently available pneumonia vaccine.

Prevenar 13 and pneumovax.

Since Prevenar 13 was introduced as part of the UK childhood vaccine schedule in 2006, cases of invasive pneumococcal disease have declined by over 65%, with 3500 fewer hospital admissions in children under five years of age. Medical Extras noted in 2011, the vaccines licence was expanded to include adults aged over fifty, with the expectation of similar benefits, and Medical Extras believe Prevenar 13 should be used more widely.

Who should get vaccinated against pneumonia?

Pneumonia vaccine can be administered to adults of any age who wish to be protected against pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria.
It is especially recommended for people who have had their spleen removed, and people aged 65 and over.
If you are patient who is registered at Highcliffe Medical Centre please phone the surgery book an appointment with the practice team.

Who should not receive the pneumonia vaccine?

• People with a viral illness or temperature should phone us to postpone the vaccination until after the illness.
• People with known allergy to diphtheria toxoid which is present in the vaccine.
What are the possible side effect of the pneumonia vaccine?
The most common side effect is discomfort around the site of the injection.

How is the pneumonia vaccine given?

The pneumonia vaccination is given as an injection into the upper arm. Both Pneumovax are single-dose vaccines. This vaccine is given by appointment at our Highcliffe Clinic. A 20 minute appointment is needed.

To Book

For further details and appointments, call Highcliffe Clinic on 01425 540214 , email us at [email protected].