Pneumococcal vaccination

Shingles can affect anyone of any age. DD had it at 20.

But the older you are the more serious it is and the more likely it is to leave you in longterm pain, you are more likely to have complications and the majority of cases are in people over 70.

That is why, that, at least initially, the shingles jab was rolled out for over 70s only.

Thing is- if shingles affects over 50 then why arent they offering the jab at 50 &over? Why wait till 70? Seems a silly idea to make everyone wait? And it costs about £400 privately i believe? I cant afford that right now but would if i could- but how many these days can pay that when that might be cost of half their heating bill?

Yes you're right- younger son had a different jab at Dr's to ours, to include more strains..possibly why he was ill a bit and we werent.But once done nurse said they all last about 10 years.

I had one couple of years ago and so did both sons but had to pay for over £200- but well worth it in my opinion.Youngest son had one free at Dr's as just under 18.He was a bit ill a couple of days like flu- but myself & older son were completely fine, just a sore arm a couple of days.

The pneumonia jab only provides protection against a few strains and there are many different strains. My dad died of pneumonia so I asked the doctor why the jab he'd had didn't protect him. The flu jab is the same. Flu jab is only 40-60% effective, as they guess which strains will be virulent this year.
I had no reaction at all to the pneumonia jab not even a sore arm

I had it a few weeks ago, no side effects. I had pneumonia a few years ago, and I’m happy not to get it again! They had trouble getting hold of it at the GP’s surgery, so as soon as they got some in, they invited me to come on.

I had pneumonia about 4 years ago and it took about 3 months to really get back to normal. Mine was turning into sepsis too but the hospital saved me!

Definitely have the pneumonia jab, I had it about a year later when I qualified by age, no side effects. Now excitedly waiting to be called for the shingles jab (my gran had shingles and it was horrific). My advice is to have everything you are entitled to - any side effects can't be as bad as having either condition.

My daughter is only 49 and isn't eligible for the Shingles jab yet but she has had it 3 times and it was very nasty and made her feel really ill. My husband has it a few years ago and he also felt really ill with it and it also looks horrid and is as itchy as chicken pox. So when I was offered it and the pneumonia one last year I had it done a week after my Covid booster. No side effects other than a bit of a sore arm.

Had the pneumonia jab. It doesn’t stop you getting it but DOES protect you getting the associated sepsis that shuts down your major organs. That’s how it was explained to me. No side effects. BTB, wasn’t called in for it, had to ask for it and the docs ordered it in for me .

Both my husband and I had separate Pneumonia and Shingles jabs a few years ago with no ill effects. However, he's just recovering from Shingles on his face so not entirely foolproof, though he would appear to have suffered a milder attack probably as a result of the jab. Worth being vaccinated nevertheless.

Had my 2009, no side effects but wonder if I should have another one now.

Had it years ago and no problems.

I was advised to have the pneumonia jab 30 years ago, whilst in my early 40s, and I haven’t had a serious chest infection ever since then…until this year, when I’ve had pneumonia twice. I wonder if although we’re told we only need one, it’s normally given in our 60s, so doesn’t get the chance for the effect to wear off. Perhaps I need another one? I am seeing a respiratory consultant in October so I can ask then.

As I've had pneumonia several times - I was more than happy to have the jab when offered .

Came home took a couple of paracetamol , drank a pot of tea with some toast , slept for hours and I felt fine .

I haven't had a bout for five years .

I was invited to have mine 3 weeks ago, no problems or side effects.

Thanks for that info, it's passed me by! I'm turning 70 next month but still haven't been called for the jab

Snowbell

Sorry to sidetrack. I think the shingles jab should be given sooner than age 70. I had shingles in my 60s and it was horrible.

It is 65 now, i am having my first one this year.

Sorry to sidetrack. I think the shingles jab should be given sooner than age 70. I had shingles in my 60s and it was horrible.

I had mine at same time as flu inj last year. Slight sore arm next day but minimal discomfort.

I had that and shingles vaccine at same time last year, no side effects whatsoever

Have them together and get it over with as otherwise you may feel rough on two occasions!

I had one a couple of years ago too, no problems. I'm sure it must be worthwhile or the NHS wouldn't be paying to have it done.

Had it and the shingles vaccine as soon as was eligible - I rang and requested and no issues at all - my motto is better safe than sorry but it is definitely your choice to make - none are compulsory

I had the pneumonia vaccine in one arm and the flu vaccine on the other arm
Felt a bit rough for 24 hours so I think split the vaccines up. Not both on same day

Summoned? To protect your health?