Recommended pneumonia vaccine

Pneumonia can be caused by different germs, so vaccination targets selected causes rather than every lung infection. Protection may be particularly relevant for older adults and people with conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys or immune system. Your clinician will check which product and schedule fit your circumstances.

A sore arm, tiredness or a mild temperature can occur after vaccination. Tell the vaccinator about previous vaccine reactions, allergies, pregnancy, immune treatments and current illness so the timing can be assessed safely.

Take your vaccination record and a list of regular medicines to the appointment. Ask whether you need one dose or a later dose, and whether other vaccines such as those for [Influenza](/conditions/influenza/) or [COVID-19](/conditions/covid-19/) should be arranged separately. Keep the date and product details after vaccination.

Vaccination lowers the risk of some serious infections but cannot replace prompt assessment of new symptoms. Learn the warning signs of [Pneumonia](/conditions/pneumonia/) and seek advice if you become unwell after exposure or vaccination.

Seek urgent help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, chest pain, or rapidly worsening weakness. A high fever with shaking chills, worsening cough or coughing up phlegm also needs prompt medical assessment. Very unwell people can develop [Sepsis](/conditions/sepsis/), which is an emergency.

Ask why vaccination is recommended for you, which pneumonia-causing germs it covers, what schedule applies, how it fits with other vaccines, and which reactions are expected. Check when to seek help for fever, breathing changes or an allergic reaction.