Vaccinations

The pneumococcal vaccine is offered to babies and people at high risk of bacterial infections like pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis.

Babies have 2 doses of the pneumococcal vaccine. Older children and adults at risk may only need a single dose.

The pneumococcal vaccine works very well. Since it has been used, there’s been a large reduction in people getting ill from pneumococcal bacteria.

Sometimes, you or your child may not be able to have the pneumococcal vaccine. For example, if you've had an allergic reaction to it before.

Side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine include a slightly raised temperature and redness or swelling where the injection was given.