What Are The Side Effects Of The Pneumonia Vaccine?
Posted on 29th January 2024 at 11:40
Pneumonia is a deadly infection that affects millions of people over the UK every year. Millions of people choose to get the vaccine. What are the side effects of the pneumonia vaccine? Read on.
At Flu-Xpress we specialise in providing workplace vaccinations and flu vouchers, and we have been trusted in delivering successful and efficient workplace vaccination programmes for over 15 years.
Pneumonia is a harsh respiratory infection that can affect people of all ages and at any time of year. It can be combatted by having the pneumococcal vaccine (pneumonia vaccine). This short article includes the side effects of the pneumonia vaccine for people of all ages.
We offer workplace vaccinations for the following:
Definition of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that affects the lungs and can cause mild to severe symptoms. It occurs when the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed and fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe.
Pneumonia can be caused by various factors, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, with the most common being bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. This infectious disease can affect people of all ages, but it is particularly dangerous for babies, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.
The symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe and may include the following:
Cough
Fever
Chest Pain
Fatigue
Difficulty Breathing
Prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment (including antibiotics) if bacterial pneumonia is diagnosed, are crucial for a full recovery. Additionally, vaccination is an important preventive measure to reduce the risk of developing pneumonia and its complications.
The Pneumonia Vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine is a crucial tool in protecting against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal disease and infections. It is specifically designed to prevent invasive diseases caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. The vaccine is composed of either a polysaccharide (PPSV23) or a conjugate (PCV13) formulation.
23-Valent Polysaccharide Pneumococcal Vaccine (PPSV23)
15-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)
The PPSV23 vaccine contains purified polysaccharides from 23 different strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, while the PCV13 vaccine consists of polysaccharide conjugates from 13 specific strains. Both vaccines are administered through an injection and are typically given intramuscularly or subcutaneously.
What Are The Common Side Effects Of The Pneumonia Vaccine.
Like any vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine may have potential side effects, although they are generally mild and these symptoms usually subside within a few days. Common side effects may include:
Pain or swelling at the injection site
Low-grade fever
Muscle aches and fatigue
Loss of appetite
Pneumonia Vaccine Side Effects in Babies
The pneumonia vaccine is a very safe vaccination for babies, but like most vaccines, there can be some mild side effects. Potential side effects in babies include:
Slight temperature
Redness at the site of the vaccination
Sleepiness
Restless sleep
Irritability
Decreased appetite
Usually these side effects are not serious, and disappear after a day or two. If you are worried about your baby, and their temperature is over 38 degrees celcius then go to your GP or call the NHS 111 telephone line.
More serious side effects of the pneumonia jab for babies are:
High temperature, possibly leading to convulsions (febrile seizures)
Allergic itchy skin rash
Pneumonia Vaccine Side Effects in Elderly People
As with all vaccinations, there is a list of potential side effects. Usually, they are mild and disappear within 1 to a few days. Pneumonia vaccine side effects in elderly people may include:
Feeling drowsy
Loss of appetite
Sore or swollen arm from the shot
Fever
Headache
If you are concerned call your GP or the NHS 111 telephone line.
Read our article on How Long Does The Pneumonia Vaccine Last?
Who Is Eligible For The Pneumonia Vaccine?
The NHS offers the vaccine to those over the age of 65 years, and anybody with certain health conditions between ages 2 and 64. Babies are given the vaccine in three separate doses at 2 months, 4 months, and 12 months old. A list of the aforementioned health conditions are listed below:
Sickle Cell Disease
COPD
Cystic Fibrosis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Asthma
Diabetes
Chronic Liver Disease
Chronic Lung Disease
Chronic Heart Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease
However, anybody of any age and health background can have the pneumonia vaccine. You can book yourself into a clinic, although you will have to pay for it yourself if you don’t meet the eligible criteria for the NHS route.
Risk Of Pneumonia In The Workplace
There are a lot of strains of pneumonia infection that are contagious, and with any contagious infection, good workplace hygiene will help to protect your workforce against pneumonia. Pneumonia can set employees back 1-2 weeks, but in some cases, they may not feel back to full health for up to a month or more.
Read our article on The True Cost of Flu in the Workplace
Workplace Pneumonia Vaccination Programmes
Pneumonia is one of the biggest killers due to infection (like a very serious flu) and causes over 172,000 hospital admissions every year and over 50,000 adults die of pneumonia. It takes a long time to recover and causes major disruption in the workplace.
A healthy adult will only need one dose, and the pneumonia vaccine can last up to 5 years in adults.
Here at Flu-Xpress, we have been providing workplace pneumonia vaccination programmes for over 15 years.
Get a quote from us today to protect your employees from pneumococcal disease.
Tagged as: Pneumonia Jab, Workplace Flu Vaccinations
Share this post: