Medical Questions » Vaccinations, Adult Questions » Question No. 1001
| Question: | I have heard there is now a vaccine against pneumonia. My GP wants me to have it, but I' m not sure about these things. I' m only 66, but have bronchitis sometimes. |
| Answer: | The vaccine you are referring to is called Pneumovax 23. It has been around for a few years now, and is given as a single injection. It will prevent lung infections caused by the Pneumococcal bacteria, which is a common cause of pneumonia, but gives no protection against other bacteria that may cause this infection.
The vaccine lasts at least five years, when a second injection can be given to give long-term protection. It can be used in almost everyone, but is not designed for use in pregnancy, and those very few receiving chemotherapy for Hodgkin' s disease. It should be used with caution in people with reduced immunity, a fever, or currently on antibiotic treatment.
The side effects are minimal, mainly local soreness and redness at site of injection. Unusual reactions include a rash, joint pain and fever. Significant adverse reactions and allergy reactions may occur if a second vaccination is given to an adult within the five years, but children may require a second vaccination.
It is a vaccination that is not used routinely but is advisable for those who have any long term lung disease, the elderly, patients who have their spleen removed, who are chronically ill, or who are in an institution where the disease has occurred.
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