THEY KNOW THEY’RE AT RISK OF SERIOUS PNEUMOCOCCAL INFECTIONS.
THAT’S WHY THEY RECEIVED THE NHS PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINATION.
Receiving the free pneumococcal vaccination as part of the NHS national immunisation programme makes you a part of the Pneumo Crew, too.
Find out if you’re eligible.
Check your eligibilityWhat are pneumococcal infections?
(New-mo-kok-al infections)
Infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria
Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae.
Spread through sneezes, coughs and direct contact
Pneumococcal bacteria are spread in the same way as colds and flu. Pneumococcal bacteria can enter your body through your nose and mouth by:
Breathing in droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough.
Touching a contaminated object, like a door handle, and then touching your nose and mouth.
May lead to serious conditions in some people
Some strains of pneumococcal bacteria live in people’s nose and throat without causing symptoms.
Other strains can cause infections, such as:
More serious pneumococcal conditions include:
Are you eligible?
Are you over 65?
Meet Jane, She is over 65.
She knows she's at risk of serious
pneumococcal infections.
That's why she got vaccinated and joined
What are the risks of pneumococcal infections if you are 65 or over?
Age can increase your risk of serious pneumococcal infections
Even if you feel fit and well, when you are aged 65 or over you are at increased risk of pneumococcal infections turning into something more serious, like pneumonia.
You have a higher risk of developing serious infections, such as:
You could need treatment in hospital
An infection might lead to further health issues
You may have a higher risk of complications and death
If you are 65 or over, a one-off pneumococcal vaccination can help protect you against serious pneumococcal infections.
Speak to your doctor or practice nurse about the NHS pneumococcal immunisation programme.
Why being 65 and over may increase your risk
- Your ability to fight off infections gets weaker as you get older
- You might have other health conditions that put you at risk
- You may spend time around grandchildren, who spread pneumococcal bacteria more easily than adults, because they are more likely to have pneumococcal bacteria living naturally in their nose and throat
Do you have diabetes?
Meet Harry, He has diabetes.
He knows that puts him at higher risk
of serious pneumococcal infections.
That's why he got vaccinated and joined
What are the risks of pneumococcal infections if you have diabetes?
You are more likely to get a pneumococcal infection in the first place.
Diabetes can increase your risk of serious pneumococcal infections
Adults with diabetes are
You have a higher risk of developing serious infections, such as:
You may have poor control of your blood sugar levels- You could need treatment in hospital
- An infection might lead to further health issues
- You may have a higher risk of complications and death
If you have diabetes, getting vaccinated can help protect you against serious pneumococcal infections.
Speak to your doctor or practice nurse about the NHS pneumococcal immunisation programme.
Why diabetes may increase your risk
- You may have a weaker immune system
- Diabetes may have damaged your blood vessels or organs, increasing your risk of other diseases
- Your general health may be affected if your diabetes is linked to weight, smoking or a lack of healthy foods in your diet
Do you have copd?
Meet Paul, He has copd.
He knows that puts him at higher risk
of serious pneumococcal infections.
That's why he got vaccinated and joined
COPD can increase your risk of serious pneumococcal infections
Adults with COPD are more than
Around
What are the risks of pneumococcal infections with COPD?
You are more likely to get a pneumococcal infection in the first place.
You have a higher risk of developing serious infections, such as:
Your COPD may get worse suddenly and flare up- You could need treatment in hospital
- An infection might lead to further health issues
- You may have a higher risk of complications and death
If you have COPD, getting vaccinated can help protect you against serious pneumococcal infections.
Speak to your doctor or practice nurse about the NHS pneumococcal immunisation programme.
Why COPD may increase your risk
- You may already have weak or damaged lungs
- You may have a weakened immune system so your body can't fight off infections as well as people without COPD
- The medications you take to treat your COPD can increase your risk of pneumonia (e.g., corticosteroids)
- Smoking cigarettes also increases your risk, especially if you have COPD
The NHS pneumococcal immunisation programme can help reduce the risk of pneumococcal infections for:
People with certain health conditions and People aged 65 and over
Still have questions?
Visit our frequently asked questionsOr speak to a doctor or practice nurse about pneumococcal vaccination