What to know about the pneumonia vaccine

The vaccine type and timing depend on age, previous doses, health conditions and medicines that affect immunity. A clinician can check your vaccination record and recommend the appropriate schedule.

Pneumococcal vaccines train the immune system to recognise selected types of Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria can cause lung infection and may also cause serious infection in the blood or around the brain. Vaccination does not treat an infection that has already started.

Pneumonia can also result from viruses and other bacteria, so vaccination does not remove the need to assess new breathing symptoms. Vaccines against influenza and COVID-19 address different infections and may be recommended separately.

Bring any available vaccination record and a list of current medicines. Tell the vaccinator about a severe reaction to an earlier vaccine or vaccine ingredient, current illness, pregnancy, immune-system problems, or treatment that suppresses immunity. A minor cold may not prevent vaccination, but the clinician should assess how you feel.

A sore arm, tiredness, headache or mild fever can occur after the injection and generally settles. Rest, drink fluids and follow the clinician's advice about pain relief. Keep the vaccination details because a later dose may depend on the product and date already given.

Seek emergency help after vaccination for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, collapse, or severe dizziness. Contact a clinician if a reaction is worsening, unusually severe, or not settling as expected.

Vaccination does not rule out pneumonia. Prompt assessment is needed for difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion, severe chest pain, marked drowsiness, dehydration, or a rapidly worsening illness. Fever, chills, cough and phlegm can accompany pneumonia, especially when they occur with breathlessness or chest discomfort.

Ask which pneumococcal vaccine fits your age and health history, whether previous doses change the plan, and how medicines or immune conditions affect timing. If you are travelling or missing records, ask how your history can be reconstructed and what other respiratory vaccinations should be considered.