The pneumonia vaccine can be administered every year. It is recommended to have it done at the start of the Winter season to ensure that the vaccine’s protection covers the time of year where pneumonia infections are most prevalent.

The Pneumovax 23 vaccine is available for those who:

• Are aged 2 years and over

• Have no allergies to the ingredients or excipients of the vaccine

• Are currently fit and well

• Are not immunocompromised

• Do not have a bleeding disorder

• Are not breastfeeding

• Are not pregnant

The pneumonia vaccine reduces the risk of you contracting pneumonia through pneumococcal bacteria, and of you passing it on.

It is generally recommended that those over 65, and those in close contact with immunocompromised people should get the pneumonia vaccine to reduce the risk of spreading the bacteria.

Yes. Vaccines are never 100% effective for everyone, but having an pneumonia vaccine does reduce the chance of you getting pneumonia.

The more people are vaccinated, the lower the risk for both people who are vaccinated but for whom the vaccine is not effective; and for people who are not vaccinated.

Yes. You can still contract pneumonia after having the vaccine, and the vaccine does not protect against viruses like colds, flu and Covid.

Look after your lungs by stopping smoking, stay fit and healthy as much as possible, and wash your hands regularly. You should also cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and bin any used tissues.

Many people are eligible for the pneumonia vaccine through the NHS. We recommend you contact your GP or local health authority for more information.

If you want the vaccine on the NHS, we unfortunately are unable to assist with this as we are a fully private pharmacy, so you will have to speak to your GP.

For each visit you need, you’ll have:

• A full consultation with the pharmacist, who will assess the suitability of the vaccine for you and be able to answer any questions you may have

• The vaccine prescribed by the pharmacist

• A patient-information leaflet from the manufacturers of the vaccine

• The vaccine administered by the pharmacist

• A comprehensive follow-up document which details the specifics of the vaccine(s) for your information, and for you to forward to your GP

The pneumonia vaccination service costs £38 per person.

If you’d like to get your flu vaccine at the same time, we offer this at a reduced rate of £45 per person. Please see the flu vaccine page for eligibility.

If you’d like the pneumonia vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time, you can book a pneumonia vaccination service appointment, and just let us know on the day. There’s no need to book two appointments.