Pneumonia vaccine

I’m having a flu and pneumonia jab in a few weeks time. I did consider not having a flu jab as I’d heard that people that had had it seemed to get bad Covid symptoms but, without hard evidence zI feel it’s my public duty to be vaccinated. I put off having the pneumonia jab fir years, mainly because I didn’t want both at the same time and it never seemed the right time to have the pneumonia one but, as I don’t particularly want to go to my doctors (and getting appointments seems to be difficult at the moment) when Boots said they would do both I agreed. I’ll let you know how I get on. It will be at the end of a holiday but I’m not driving and I’ll get packed etc beforehand in case I do feel bad. My take on the pneumonia jab is that, even though it doesn’t cover all forms of pneumonia it would be daft to die of something that I could prevent (as with tetanus etc).

I was poorly for just one day after having had the flu and pneumonia jabs together. ( one in each arm) Fine there after .

Unfortunately Toscalily. When my MiL died, of pneumonia among other things, we were wondering why as she's had had the jab and every other jab known to man. Now I know.

There are more than 30 types of Pneumonia including bacterial as Callistemon said but also viral & fungal pneumonia so although it is worth having, especially during the current crisis it is not the be all and end all that some may think it is.

That's what the nurse said!

The paracetamol has helped.

Thanks Calli still worth having!

The nurse offered me the leaflet which came with it but I dudnt take up her kind offer.

Yes, I had it done a couple of days ago and my arm is quite sore, more so than with the flu vaccine. It did keep waking me up last night when I lay on that side.

I was assured it was an inert vaccine not a live one so I surprised that there are side effects. Just taken two paracetamol as my head feels a bit woozy.

Thanks it would be a good one to have this year!

It won't protect against viral pneumonia, only the bacterial type, Bluesky. I was called by the surgery and asked to be sure to attend as supplies are limited!

I had the vaccine a couple of weeks ago.Had it Monday morning, no problems, then on Tuesday evening the vaccination site became red and lumpy. I felt a bit shivery so took paracetamol. Following day just felt tired and generally off colour, but fine by next day. Nurse hadn't mentioned chance of side effects but I had read NHS website so not surprised. They are offering it to all over 65s here. Hope you are feeling better now.

I believe it's just a one off?

I had it a few days ago-no side effects. I'm a bit of an anti vaxer but decided to go for this one after the doctor's surgery kept contacting me about it but I don't have the annual flu jabs.

BlueSky

Thanks it would be a good one to have this year! And nobody mentioned nasty side effects even if given at the same time as the flu jab. Will have to enquire.

Bluesky - I had both together last year (aged 65) with no ill effects

Sorry you are feeling a bit iffy, but live vaccines often have an effect. Lots of drinks and coddle yourself

Thanks it would be a good one to have this year! And nobody mentioned nasty side effects even if given at the same time as the flu jab. Will have to enquire.

Last year I’d had my flu jab I was then offered shingles and pneumonia by text I had both together with no side affects I was 71.

Got mine at 65 when had 1st flu Jab.

My friend had it at 66 last year, she’s not got any particular health issues, was seeing nurse for something else and offered it there and then.

Over 70s I think.

Bluesky I was offered the vaccine after I turned 70, it was separate from the flu vaccine (months apart).

Are all over 65's offered this or do you need to ask? Is it done at the same time as the flu jab or separate?

Thank you GNetters for the input! I don't normally have side effects to anything to be honest and I guess I should have done some research before asking. Stay safe!

The NHS website mentions mild fever as a possible side effect.

I had the pneumonia vaccine a couple of months ago and the lovely man who done the deed, said that I might have discomfort/headache/temperature and just to drink fluids and take paracetamol if any of the symptoms occurred. (I felt grotty for approx 24/36 hours)

Hope you are feeling better soon.

From the NHS.uk website:

Side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine in adults and older children

Mild side effects of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV), the version of the pneumococcal vaccine given to adults and children over the age of 2, include:

mild soreness or hardness at the site of the injection lasting 1 to 3 days
a slightly raised temperature

More serious side effects of the PPV vaccine, such as allergic reactions, are rare.

So yes, a mildly raised temperature could be expected, contact your GP if you get any other symptoms or it doesn't subside.