Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Pneumococcal Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Pneumococcal

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection, most commonly caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It leads to inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can fill with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult. The condition is more prevalent during the winter months and can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.

Vaccination Pricing

£79 per course

Signs and Symptoms

  • Fever and chills

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Cough

  • Chest pain

  • In severe cases, sepsis

Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

231 Worcester Road, Malvern, WR14 1SU

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

worcesterravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

153 Ombersley Road, Worcester, WR3 7BX

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Boost required at
2 years and older 1 N/A N/A

Pneumococcal disease refers to a range of illnesses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as pneumococcus. These bacteria can infect various parts of the body and are a leading cause of pneumonia, particularly in older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. However, pneumococcal disease is not limited to the lungs—it can also cause serious conditions such as septicaemia (blood infection), meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain), and ear or sinus infections. While many healthy people carry the bacteria in their nose or throat without developing symptoms, it can become invasive in vulnerable individuals, resulting in potentially life-threatening illness. The severity and broad impact of pneumococcal infections make vaccination an important preventive measure, especially for high-risk groups.

 Pneumococcal bacteria spread through close contact with an infected person, typically via droplets from coughs or sneezes. It can be passed on even by individuals who carry the bacteria but show no symptoms themselves. Prevention begins with good hygiene practices, such as covering the mouth when coughing, washing hands frequently, and avoiding close contact with those who are unwell. However, the most effective form of prevention is vaccination. There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines available in the UK: the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV). These are offered routinely to infants, adults over the age of 65, and individuals with certain health conditions that place them at higher risk of complications.

The duration of protection provided by pneumococcal vaccines depends on the type of vaccine and the individual’s health status. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), typically given to children as part of the NHS childhood immunisation programme, provides long-lasting protection. Adults over 65 and those with underlying health conditions are usually offered the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23), which protects against a wider range of strains. For most healthy adults, a single dose of PPV23 is sufficient and does not require a booster. However, those with long-term health conditions or a weakened immune system may be advised to have repeat vaccinations every five years. Your healthcare provider will guide you based on your individual risk.

The symptoms of pneumococcal disease vary depending on the part of the body affected. Pneumococcal pneumonia, the most common form, may cause fever, chest pain, persistent cough, breathlessness, and chills. In more serious cases, it can lead to complications such as fluid in the lungs or respiratory failure. Pneumococcal meningitis may result in headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, and in some cases, seizures or loss of consciousness. Bloodstream infections can lead to sepsis, with symptoms such as rapid breathing, clammy skin, low blood pressure, and confusion. Milder infections, like ear or sinus infections, may cause pain, discomfort, or temporary hearing loss. Because the disease can progress quickly and cause serious complications, early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Pneumococcal disease occurs worldwide, so vaccination is generally recommended based on individual risk factors rather than specific travel destinations. That said, if you’re travelling to countries with limited healthcare infrastructure or where pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses are more common, vaccination may be advised, especially for those aged over 65 or with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, or immunosuppression. Individuals who plan to spend time in close-contact settings, such as care homes or long-term residential stays abroad, may also benefit from added protection. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional or travel health specialist before departure to ensure you are up to date with relevant vaccinations.

Pneumococcal vaccines are generally safe and well tolerated. Most side effects are mild and short-lived. These may include redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site, a mild fever, fatigue, or general discomfort for a day or two after vaccination. These reactions are typically a sign that the immune system is responding as expected. More significant side effects are rare, and serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. If you have a history of severe allergies or reactions to vaccines, you should inform your healthcare provider before receiving the injection. Overall, the benefits of vaccination in preventing potentially life-threatening pneumococcal infections far outweigh the risk of minor side effects.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

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The Malvern Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

Contact us today to get your and your loved ones protected.

Same Day Appointments

We are pleased to offer same-day appointments at Malvern Travel Clinic, to ensure you receive prompt and efficient care when you need it most.

Expert Pharmacists

Our team includes expert pharmacists who are dedicated to providing you with personalised and professional healthcare advice.

Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.

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We offer a wide range of medical treatments for you and your loved ones.

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