Pneumonia is a severe respiratory infection that can lead to serious complications, especially between weak groups such as young children, the elderly and impaired immune systems. Pneumonia vaccine is an essential tool to prevent pneumococcal disease and reduce the risk of serious illness. In the UK, National Health provides service (NHS) Pneumococcal -ex to protect against the most common tribes of pneumonia that cause pneumonia.
What is the pneumonia vaccine?
Pneumonia vaccine protects against streptococcus pneumonia, a bacterium responsible for pneumonia, meningitis and other invasive infections. There are two main types of pneumonia vaccines available in the UK:
1.Pneumococcal conjunctive vaccine (PCV13 or prevenar 13) – This vaccine is mainly given to infants and protects against 13 tribes of pneumococcal bacteria.
2.Pneumococcal PolyMaride vaccine (PPV23 or Pneumovax 23) – This vaccine is recommended for older adults and individuals with some health conditions, which provides protection against 23 different tribes of pneumococcal bacteria.
Who is eligible for pneumonia vaccine in the UK?
NHS provides pneumonia vaccine for free to high -risk people for infection. Quality criteria include:
Babies – PCV13 vaccine is included in the UK’s regular childhood vaccination program. Infants receive doses of 12 weeks and a booster of 12-13 months.
Adults over 65 – older adults are exposed to pneumonia and receive a vaccine by PPV23.
People with some medical conditions – chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic heart, lungs, kidneys or liver disease, and people with weaker immune systems are recommended to receive the vaccine.
Individuals without a spleen or with sickle cell disease – These conditions increase the risk of severe pneumococcal infections.
How is the vaccine administered?
●Pneumonia vaccine is usually given as a single injection in the upper arm.
●The PCV13 vaccine is administered as part of the regular children’s vaccination plan.
●The PPV23 vaccine is usually given once for most adults, but some people with long -term health conditions may require boosters every 5 years.
Benefits of the Pneumonia Vaccine
Vaccination of the risk of serious illness in pneumonia – vaccination helps prevent severe lung infections and other complications caused by pneumococcal bacteria.
Protects weak groups – the vaccine is especially effective in protecting those exposed, such as children, older adults and people with chronic health conditions.
Prevents the spread of infection – the vaccination helps to limit the transmission of pneumococcal bacteria in society.
Reduces the burden of the health care system – extensive vaccination helps with lower hospitals and general stress on the NHS.
protect against infections, including invasive disease – Invasive disease is usually very serious and can sometimes result in death.
Possible Side Effects
Potential side effects can all cause mild side effects all vaccines, pneumonia, but severe reactions are rare. General side effects include:
⇒Angge at the injection site, redness or swelling
⇒Gentle fever
⇒Fatigue or muscle pain
⇒Sultap (in babies)
Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare, but if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling on the face or throat or severe rash, you get medical help immediately.
Where can you get pneumonia vaccine in the UK?
Pneumonia vaccine is available through the NHS:
GP Surgery – If you are eligible, your local doctor can administration of vaccine.
Hospital clinic – hospital-based care requirements for people with some health conditions.
Pharmacy – Some private pharmacies offer vaccines for those who do not qualify for free NHS vaccine, where prices are usually between £ 30 and £ 70.
Conclusion
pneumonia vaccine is an important component of public health protection in the UK. The NHS helps to reduce the risk of severe infections and complications by ensuring that the weaker population gets the right vaccination. If you or a dear fall into a high -risk category, you can talk about vaccinating with your GP and being preserved against pneumococci disease.
