Pneumonia is a highly contagious bacterial chest infection that can sometimes be fatal. If you want to avoid getting a serious chest infection, being vaccinated against pneumococcal disease is the best thing you can do for yourself. The recommended dosages vary with age and fitness and should be verified with a travel clinic before an international trip. Continue reading to know more about the pneumococcal vaccine schedule for adults in Cheltenham.
Streptococcus is the most common bacterium that causes pneumonia, and it is also the most common opportunistic infection throughout the world. These infections can lead to serious complications, such as meningitis, influenza, or septicemia. Therefore, it is crucial that everyone, including children and adults, get the required pneumococcal vaccine as early as possible.
What are the common types of pneumococcal vaccines in Worcester?
There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccine:
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV)
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV).
The pneumococcal vaccine schedule is as follows as per NHS recommendations:
- PCV vaccination is strongly suggested for children younger than 2 years old and children aged 2-18 (with specific medical issues).
- PPV can be administered to adults aged 2-64 who are at a higher risk, as well as those over 65
In Cheltenham, how often should adults get the pneumococcal vaccine?
Research indicated that the protection provided by the pneumonia vaccine lasted for as long as ten years after a single dosage. However, in certain cases, the impact may wear off sooner than 10 years.
If you are 65 or older, you will require two doses to get lifelong protection.
A single dose of the pneumococcal vaccine is typically sufficient if your age ranges between 2 and 64 years, but you may need up to three shots if you smoke or have a weakened immune system.
Do adults need the pneumococcal vaccine in Cheltenham?
As a potentially fatal bacterial disease, pneumonia can affect the lungs, the blood, and the brain. The elderly are at a higher risk of acquiring these diseases, so they should get both doses of the vaccine.
The pneumococcal vaccine is inactive, so it contains no living microbes. This indicates a low risk of harm when administered to patients.
The pneumococcal vaccination for adults can provide three to five years of protection.
At what age should older adults receive a pneumococcal vaccine?
- Those aged 65 and older will be offered a one-off dose of the PPV vaccine.
- You may need a booster dose of pneumococcal immunisation if you are immunocompromised.
Get in touch with us; we can help determine your risk level and which vaccine you need.
Travelling internationally increases the risk of catching and spreading rare and infectious diseases. Getting a pneumonia vaccine before leaving is highly recommended. To make an appointment or get a free consultation, contact Cheltenham Travel Clinic now.
