Does pneumococcal vaccination treat pneumonia?

A vaccine trains the immune system to recognise selected pneumococcal bacteria before an infection occurs. Pneumonia can have other bacterial, viral or fungal causes, and vaccination does not cover every cause. Someone who is already unwell needs assessment to identify the likely cause and severity. Treatment may include supportive care and, when appropriate, prescription medicine chosen by a clinician.

Do not wait for a vaccine to improve active symptoms. Contact a clinician if you have fever, cough, breathlessness, chest discomfort or unusual weakness. Take prescribed treatment exactly as directed, rest, drink fluids if you can, and avoid smoking. Ask whether vaccination is suitable after recovery or for household members who may benefit.

Seek urgent help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, inability to keep fluids down or rapidly worsening illness. Older adults and people with chronic lung, heart or immune conditions may need earlier assessment when respiratory symptoms begin.

Could my symptoms be pneumonia, and what examination or tests are needed? What treatment is appropriate for the suspected cause? Am I due pneumococcal vaccination, and when should it be given?