What is the schedule for the pneumonia vaccine?

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.

Who is eligible for the pneumonia vaccine?

The vaccine is available subject to clinical assessment. Suitability depends on age, medical history, allergies and individual risk factors.

Do I need a pneumonia vaccine?

Vaccination reduces the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia and can reduce transmission. It is commonly recommended for people aged 65+ and for some people with increased clinical risk.

Can I still get pneumonia after having the vaccine?

Yes. Vaccines are not 100% effective for everyone, but vaccination significantly reduces the risk of pneumonia and severe complications.

Do I still need to take precautions against respiratory illness after I've had the vaccine?

Yes. The vaccine does not protect against all causes of pneumonia, including viruses like colds, flu and COVID-19. Good hygiene and general health measures remain important.

Can I get the pneumonia vaccine on the NHS?

Many people are eligible through the NHS. If you want the vaccine on the NHS, please contact your GP or local NHS service. Pharmacy Clinic Edinburgh is fully private and does not provide NHS services.

What's included in the pneumonia vaccination service?

You’ll have a consultation to assess suitability and answer questions, the vaccine is supplied and administered by a pharmacist, and you receive documentation of the vaccination for your records.

How much does the pneumonia vaccine cost?

The pneumonia vaccination service costs £38 per person.

Pneumonia Vaccination Service

The pneumonia vaccine we use is called Pneumovax 23, and it is currently used in the NHS and by various health bodies, like the WHO, worldwide.

This pneumonia vaccine protects against 23 different types of pneumococcal bacteria. These 23 types are responsible for more than 90% of all infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria.

Because of this, the vaccine also reduces the risk of other infections caused by pneumococcus, including meningitis and sepsis.

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The Pneumonia Vaccine - FAQs

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 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.