South Yorkshire residents are being encouraged to take up the offer of a free pneumococcal vaccine, also known as the pneumonia vaccine, to help protect against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections.
Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and can sometimes lead to pneumonia, meningitis and blood poisoning, also known as sepsis.
Anyone can get a pneumococcal infection but some individuals are at higher risk of serious illness, so it's recommended those individuals are given the pneumococcal vaccination on the NHS.
People at higher risk are adults aged 65 or over, children and adults with certain long-term health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition and babies.
Like most vaccines, the pneumonia vaccine can sometimes cause mild side effects, such as a slightly raised temperature, redness, hardness or swelling where the injection was given.
There are rarely serious side effects for the vaccine, like all medicines anyone that has previously had a severe allergic reaction also called anaphylaxis would be assessed more thoroughly to see if it is suitable.
Dr David Crichton, NHS South Yorkshire Chief Medical Officer and local GP said:
“Please do come forward when you are invited for your pneumonia vaccine to ensure you are protected. There is a focus on increasing uptake in Sheffield but it is available across all of South Yorkshire.
“People aged 65 and over only need a single vaccination, it’s not given annually like the flu jab. However, if you have an underlying health condition, you may need booster doses every 5 years. This is because your levels of antibodies against the infection decrease over time.
“If you are over 65 or between 2 and 65 and in one of the at-risk groups you should be contacted by your GP practice to arrange to have the vaccine. If you have not yet had the vaccine, or if you think you should have the booster please contact your practice.”
South Yorkshire residents who are eligible for a spring covid booster vaccination are also now being invited for these boosters.
This latest covid vaccination is being offered to those considered most at risk, following advice from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation, including the over 75yrs, those aged five and over with a reduced immune system and older adult care home residents.
You may be offered your pneumonia vaccine at the same time as your covid booster.
