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This website has been developed and fully funded by the pharmaceutical company MSD.
It is intended to provide general educational information and does not take the place of professional medical advice.

MEET

THEY KNOW THEY’RE AT RISK OF SERIOUS PNEUMOCOCCAL INFECTIONS.


THAT’S WHY THEY RECEIVED THE NHS PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINATION.

The PneumoCrew: Avani, Jane, Paul and Harry, who are at risk of Pneumococcal infections
The PneumoCrew: Avani, Jane, Paul and Harry, who are at risk of Pneumococcal infections

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 eligibility

What are pneumococcal infections?

(New-mo-kok-al infections)

Infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria

Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pneumococcal Infection icon

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:

Man coughing icon

Breathing in droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough.

Hand with bacteria logo

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:

Eye infectionsSinus infectionsEar infections

More serious pneumococcal conditions include:

Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia)Blood poisoning (septicaemia)Swelling of the brain (meningitis)

Are you eligible?

How old are you or how old is the person you’re checking eligibility for?

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

test
Jane
Jane

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:

Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia)Blood poisoning (septicaemia)Swelling of the brain (meningitis)
  • Hospital bedYou could need treatment in hospital
  • Computer screen with lung iconAn infection might lead to further health issues
  • Ambulance iconYou 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

test
Harry
Harry

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

3-6xmore likely to get a serious pneumococcal infection VS healthy adults

You have a higher risk of developing serious infections, such as:

Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia)Blood poisoning (septicaemia)Swelling of the brain (meningitis)
  • Blood machine iconYou may have poor control of your blood sugar levels
  • Hospital bedYou could need treatment in hospital
  • Computer screen with lung iconAn infection might lead to further health issues
  • Ambulance iconYou 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

test
Paul
Paul

COPD can increase your risk of serious pneumococcal infections

Adults with COPD are more than

16xmore likely to get a serious pneumococcal infection VS healthy adults

Around

1/3of COPD exacerbations (flare-ups) may be caused by pneumococcal bacteria

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:

Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia)Blood poisoning (septicaemia)Swelling of the brain (meningitis)
  • Lung with warning sign iconYour COPD may get worse suddenly and flare up
  • Hospital bed iconYou could need treatment in hospital
  • Computer screen with lung iconAn infection might lead to further health issues
  • Ambulance iconYou 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

People aged 65 and over