Easy Read guide to the pneumococcal vaccine (plain text)
Published 25 September 2026
Applies to England
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Easy read guide to the pneumococcal vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine is vaccine to help stop you getting ill with pneumonia and meningitis.
What is a pneumococcal infection?
The pneumococcal infection is caused by bacteria. Infection is when bacteria get in your body. Bacteria are tiny bugs that can make people ill.
The infection can cause illnesses like bronchitis, ear and sinus infections. It can also cause serious illnesses, such as pneumonia and meningitis.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung. Meningitis is a serious illness which affects your brain and spinal cord.
Who can get a pneumococcal infection?
Anyone can get a pneumococcal infection. People who are more likely to get the infection are:
- children under 2 years old
- people aged 65 years or over
- people who work with metal fumes, like a welder
- people long-term health illnesses
- people who are homeless
Some adults and children carry the bacteria in the back of their nose and throat. You can pass the bacteria around by coughing, sneezing and getting close to other people.
The pneumococcal vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against a pneumococcal infection.
A vaccine is a medicine that helps people fight off serious disease. You might hear people talk about a vaccine as a jab or an injection.
The vaccine is the safest and best way to protect yourself from infections caused by the most common pneumococcal bacteria. The vaccine cannot cause an infection.
If you are not sure whether you should get the vaccine, ask your GP or practice nurse.
Side effects
If you get any side effects they are usually mild and go away within a few days. Side effects are how you might feel after getting a medicine like a vaccine.
You might get:
- a lump or it may feel sore where you got the vaccine
- a fever, temperature above 37.8°C
If you feel unwell, you should rest and take paracetamol if you can. Check with someone if you are not sure and always make sure you follow the information on the box.
You should feel better soon after.
You can report side effects of vaccines and medicines by going to the Yellow Card website or by calling the Yellow Card hotline on 0808 100 3352