Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV/PPSV)
Shield yourself from serious illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. Book your pneumococcal vaccine at Pharmacy M today for reliable protection.
What is Pneumococcal Disease?
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It spreads through airborne respiratory droplets and can lead to:
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining)
- Septicemia (bloodstream infection)
This disease is especially dangerous for infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals, making pneumococcal vaccination an essential step for prevention.
Symptoms of Pneumococcal Disease
Symptoms vary depending on the condition, but commonly include:
- High fever
- Cough and chills
- Difficulty breathing
- Headache or stiff neck
- Confusion
- Sinus pressure
- Chest pain
What is the Pneumococcal Vaccine?
There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccine:
Feature
PCV (Conjugate)
PPSV (Polysaccharide)
Type
Conjugate
Polysaccharide
Strains Covered
13
23
Common Use
Infants, high-risk
Adults 65+, chronic illness
Immunity Duration
Long-lasting
Booster may be needed
Doses
4 (childhood schedule)
1 dose for adults
Why Should You Get the Pneumococcal Vaccine?
The pneumococcal vaccination is recommended because it:
- Prevents pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections
- Reduces hospitalisation risk and complications
- Protects vulnerable groups (infants, elderly, at-risk adults)
- Contributes to herd immunity
- Is often required for travel to high-risk regions
Who Should Get the Pneumococcal Vaccine?
You may need PCV or PPSV if you are:
- Aged 65 or older
- Infants (part of NHS routine schedule)
- A traveller to high-risk countries
- A smoker
- Living with chronic lung, heart, or kidney conditions
- Immunocompromised (e.g. due to cancer, HIV, spleen issues)
Pneumococcal Vaccine Schedule and Dosage
Group
Vaccine Type
Timing
Infants (NHS)
PCV13
12 weeks and booster at 1 year
Adults 65+
PPSV23
Single dose
High-risk adults
PCV13 + PPSV23
Doses spaced per clinical need
Ask our team to assess your personal health and travel plans for a tailored schedule.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Side Effects
The pneumococcal vaccine side effects are generally mild:
- Common Side Effects
- Redness and swelling at injection site
- Fatigue or low-grade fever
- Headache or muscle aches
- Rare :
- Allergic reaction
- Localised lymph node swelling
If you have allergies or immune-related conditions, please consult our pharmacists first.
Cost of Pneumococcal Vaccine at Pharmacy M
Age
Vaccine Type
Cost per Dose
9–65
PCV13
£70
65+
PPSV23
£70
High-Risk Areas for Meningitis B
The following countries report frequent outbreaks of group B meningococcal disease:
Asia
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
Africa
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Burkina Faso
- Nigeria
- Chad
Latin America
- Brazil
- Peru
- Mexico
- Bolivia
- Argentina
Middle East
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Qatar
- UAE
- Kuwait
Europe
- France
- Sweden
- Denmark
- UK
- Norway
Oceania
- Fiji
- Solomon Islands
- Papua New Guinea
Book Your Pneumococcal Vaccine UK
Pharmacy M offers the PCV and PPSV vaccines privately for those not eligible under the NHS. Book yours today!
Your health is our priority. Here’s how we stand out!
NHS-accredited pharmacists
Get expert advice from our trusted professionals for both NHS and private health services, ensuring safe vaccinations and up-to-date health advice.
Convenient location
No need to travel far or wait weeks for appointments. We offer flexible timings, whether you’re a busy parent, professional, or last-minute traveller.
Transparent Pricing
We offer clear pricing on all our services, with no hidden charges. You will be informed of any additional costs before booking, so you can make an informed decision.
FAQs
It protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and septicaemia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Infants, seniors (65+), smokers, travellers, and people with chronic or immune conditions.
Infants receive PCV13 via the NHS. PPSV23 is offered from age 65 or for medically high-risk adults.
PCV13 covers 13 strains; PPSV23 covers 23. Some adults may need both depending on their health status.
Yes, for routine groups. Others can access the private pneumococcal vaccine via Pharmacy M.
Most are mild: sore arm, fatigue, mild fever. Serious reactions are rare.
Usually once. Some people with chronic health conditions may need a booster.
Yes, appointments can be booked directly via our website or by phone.