Guidance

Pneumococcal Vaccine Factsheet – Information for Patients, Parents and Carers

Published 8 October 2026

1. Overview of pneumococcal disease 

• Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus 

• There are over 100 identified types of pneumococcus bacteria. Some can cause serious illnesses including pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis 

• Pneumococcal disease can affect people of any age, but serious illness is more common in young children, older adults and people with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems 

• Pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can cause fever, cough, chest pain and difficulty breathing, and may require hospital treatment 

• Pneumococcal bacteria can sometimes enter the bloodstream and cause invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), which can be particularly serious and may require hospital treatment 

• Pneumococcal bacteria can also cause meningitis, which is a serious infection affecting the membranes around the brain and spinal cord 

2. Pneumococcal vaccines available in the UK 

• Several pneumococcal vaccines are authorised for use in the UK 

• Different vaccines may be recommended depending on individual risk factors such as a person’s age or medical conditions 

• Each of these vaccines helps protect against specific strains of pneumococcal bacteria 

• You will be offered the vaccine that is most appropriate for you or your child 

• For more information on eligibility within NHS immunisation programmes, please see NHS pneumococcal vaccine guidance 

• If you are unsure whether pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for you or your child, speak to your GP, pharmacist, practice nurse or another healthcare professional 

3. How pneumococcal vaccines work 

• Pneumococcal vaccines contain components from specific types of pneumococcal bacteria 

• Different types of pneumococcal vaccines work in different ways, but all help the body build protection against serious pneumococcal disease 

• After vaccination, the immune system produces protective antibodies that can recognise the pneumococcal bacteria types included in the vaccine 

• Pneumococcal vaccines cannot give you pneumococcal disease because they are inactivated vaccines and do not contain live pneumococcal bacteria 

• Pneumococcal vaccines do not protect against every type of pneumococcal bacteria or against pneumonia and meningitis caused by other organisms 

• For more information about how different types of vaccines work, including inactivated vaccines, please see the MHRA’s Vaccine safety - patient factsheet 

4. Getting the pneumococcal vaccine at the same time as other vaccinations 

• Pneumococcal vaccines can often be given at the same time as some other routine vaccinations 

• Evidence from many studies has shown that receiving more than one recommended vaccine at the same time does not overload the immune system 

• Giving vaccines at the same time can help to ensure that you receive important protection without the need for additional appointments 

• While pneumococcal vaccines can often be given alongside other routine vaccinations, your healthcare professional will advise if any specific timing considerations apply based on the vaccines you are receiving, or your individual circumstances 

• If you have questions about receiving a pneumococcal vaccine alongside another vaccination, speak to your GP, pharmacist or practice nurse 

5. Safety and effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccines 

• Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect people at increased risk of serious pneumococcal disease 

• Pneumococcal vaccination has significantly reduced disease caused by the types of pneumococcal bacteria covered by vaccines in the UK 

• Like all vaccines approved for use in the UK, pneumococcal vaccines used or authorised in the UK have gone through a rigorous development and regulatory process to assess their safety, quality and effectiveness 

• The MHRA independently verifies the safety and quality of every vaccine batch before it is offered to patients 

• The MHRA continuously monitors and reviews suspected adverse drug reactions through the Yellow Card scheme to ensure all vaccines remain safe throughout their use 

• For more information about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines approved for use in the UK, please refer to the Vaccine safety - patient factsheet 

6. Pneumococcal vaccine side effects 

• The most common side effects of pneumococcal vaccines are usually mild and short-lived 

• Common side effects may include: 

  • soreness, pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given 

  • headache 

  • muscle aches 

  • joint aches 

  • tiredness 

  • fever 

  • irritability, drowsiness or reduced appetite, particularly in babies and young children 

• These symptoms usually improve within a few days 

• Side effects can vary according to the vaccine and the age of the person receiving it 

• Very premature infants (born less than or equal to 28 weeks of gestation), particularly premature babies with a previous history of respiratory immaturity, may need to be monitored for 48 to 72 hours after vaccination to check for short pauses in the baby’s breathing (apnoea) 

• Serious allergic reactions after vaccination are very rare. The person giving the vaccine will be trained to recognise and treat a serious allergic reaction immediately 

• Seek urgent medical attention if you develop symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread rash, dizziness or collapse 

• If you or your child develops symptoms after vaccination that concern you, speak to your GP, pharmacist, practice nurse or another healthcare professional 

7. Pneumococcal vaccine and pregnancy 

• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, planning a pregnancy or think you may be pregnant, tell your GP, pharmacist, practice nurse or other healthcare professional before vaccination  

• Pneumococcal vaccination can be considered during pregnancy if necessary and when the potential benefits outweigh any potential risks to the mother and baby. Your healthcare professional can advise whether vaccination is appropriate for you 

8. Who should not receive the pneumococcal vaccine 

• Most people who are eligible for pneumococcal vaccination can safely receive it 

• You should not receive a pneumococcal vaccine if you have previously had a confirmed severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the relevant pneumococcal vaccine 

• You should not receive the vaccine if you have had a confirmed severe allergic reaction to an ingredient or relevant manufacturing residue in the vaccine 

• People with bleeding disorders or low platelet counts may require additional precautions because pneumococcal vaccines are normally given by intramuscular injection (injection into a muscle) 

• People with weakened immune systems can generally receive pneumococcal vaccination, although their immune response may be reduced 

• People with certain medical conditions or those receiving treatments that affect the immune system, such as chemotherapy, may require additional advice on the timing of vaccination. Your healthcare professional will advise on the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your individual circumstances 

• If you are unsure whether you or your child should receive a pneumococcal vaccine, speak to your GP, pharmacist, practice nurse or other healthcare professional for advice 

9. Report side effects to the Yellow Card scheme 

• You should report any suspected side effects following pneumococcal vaccination to the MHRA through the Yellow Card scheme 

• You can report suspected side effects through: 

  • the Yellow Card website 

  • the Yellow Card app, available through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store