Pneumonia Vaccination

Help protect yourself against pneumonia and other serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can affect people of any age, but it is more common and can be more serious in older adults and people with certain health conditions. Pneumococcal bacteria can also cause serious illnesses such as meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia).

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to reduce your risk.

At McCauley Pharmacy, our trained pharmacists provide the pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine in a private consultation room.

The cost of the pneumonia vaccine depends on your eligibility:

• Free – If you are 65 years or older and hold a Medical Card, GP Visit Card or Health Amendment Act Card
• €28.50 – If you are 65 years or older, clinically eligible, and do not hold one of the above cards
• €49 – Private vaccination for customers who don't fall within the HSE eligibility criteria

Your pharmacist will confirm your eligibility and the cost with you before vaccination.

The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for:

• All adults aged 65 years and over
• Adults aged 18+ with certain health conditions, including diabetes or chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease
• People with a weakened immune system due to illness or treatment
• Smokers or people with alcohol dependency
• People regularly exposed to fumes as part of their work (for example, welders)

Your pharmacist will assess suitability before vaccination and may advise referral to your GP in some cases.

• Appointments are available in participating McCauley Pharmacies
• The consultation usually takes around 15 minutes
• Your pharmacist will ask a few health questions, including your vaccination history, to make sure the vaccine is suitable for you
• The vaccine is given in the upper arm, so wearing a short sleeved or loose fitting top is recommended
• After vaccination, you’ll be asked to remain in the pharmacy for a short time as a precaution

The pneumonia vaccine can be given at the same time as your flu vaccination, with each vaccine administered in a different arm, where appropriate.

Most people only need to receive this vaccine once. Your pharmacist will advise if a further dose is recommended for you.

• The vaccine is safe for most people.
• The PPV23 vaccine is not recommended for healthy children and younger adults, as they are at low risk of pneumococcal disease.
• Do not get this vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or to any ingredient in the vaccine.
• If you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to do your normal activities, wait until you're feeling better before having the vaccine.

• This vaccine helps protect against 23 types of pneumococcal disease, including those most likely to cause severe illness.
• Most adults develop protection within around 3 weeks of vaccination.
• If you are under 65 years of age, a booster vaccination may be recommended in some cases (usually around 5 years after the first dose), particularly if you have a condition that weakens your immune system or if you do not have a functioning spleen. Your pharmacist or GP can advise you.
• You cannot get pneumococcal disease from the vaccine, as it does not contain any live bacteria.
• The pneumococcal vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia).

Like all vaccines, the pneumonia vaccine can cause side effects, although most are mild and short lived.

Common side effects include:

• Pain, redness, swelling or tenderness at the injection site
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Mild flu like symptoms such as muscle aches or a low grade fever

These usually settle within a day or two.

Less commonly, you may feel generally unwell for a short time.

Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare. Your pharmacist is fully trained to recognise and manage any immediate reactions.

If you feel unwell after your vaccination or have any concerns, speak to your pharmacist or GP.