Everything you need to know about Pneumonia and the vaccine!

Many people find themselves battling what they think are nasty colds and Flu, however, a lot of the time they are in fact fighting off a case of Pneumonia. While there is no pneumonia season, the disease is more common in winter. The good news is you can now get your Pneumonia Vaccine in Birmingham by visiting King’s Pharmacy!
The pneumonia vaccine is not an annual vaccine like the flu jab. Most people need just a single one-off vaccination or a vaccination every 5 years. We believe that it is extremely important that you get your Pneumonia Vaccines in winter – here’s why…

Pneumonia is an illness that can be life-threatening; infecting the lungs and damaging the respiratory system. The infection causes the lungs’ air sacs (alveoli) to become inflamed and fill up with fluid or pus, making it hard for the oxygen you breathe in to reach your bloodstream. It can affect people of any age, but it’s more common, and can be more serious, in certain groups of people, such as the very young or the elderly, as well as those with conditions such as diabetes and those with a weakened immune system.

As the world battles the Coronavirus pandemic, we need to protect ourselves and each other against this invisible killer. Those who are vulnerable need to protect themselves as much as possible by getting the Pneumonia Vaccine.

What are the causes of Pneumonia?

The most common causes are:

• – Bacterial Pneumonia – This type is caused by various different bacteria, the most common is Streptococcus Pneumoniae and it usually occurs when the immune system is weakened be it through poor nutrition and diet, illness, or old age.
• – Viral Pneumonia – This is caused by viruses that we may be exposed to such as the Flu and is responsible for over a third of pneumonia cases.
• – Mycoplasma Pneumonia – Known as atypical pneumonia this version comes with different symptoms and physical signs, this type is generally widespread causing mild symptoms.

The NHS has stated that the common symptoms are:

• – A cough: which may be dry or produce phlegm or blood.
• – Difficulty breathing
• – Rapid heartbeat
• – Feeling unwell
• – Sweating and shivering
• – Loss of appetite
• – Chest pain

Less common symptoms include:

• – Coughing up blood
• – Headaches
• – Fatigue
• –  Feeling sick or being sick
• – Wheezing
• – Joint or muscle pain
• – Feeling disorientated

How does the Vaccine work?

Both types of pneumococcal vaccines encourage our body to produce antibodies against pneumococcal bacteria, these antibodies destroy disease-carrying organisms and toxins, protecting us from becoming ill if we are infected with the bacteria.
There are more than 90 different strains of the pneumococcal bacterium, although most of these strains do not cause serious infections.

The childhood vaccine (PCV) protects against 13 strains of the pneumococcal bacterium, while the adult vaccine (PPV) protects against 23 strains.

The PPV vaccine is thought to be around 50 to 70% effective at preventing pneumococcal disease. Both the PPV and the PCV are inactivated or “killed” vaccines and do not contain any live organisms. They cannot cause the disease they protect against.

How much does the Pneumonia vaccine cost?

At King’s Pharmacy, our Pneumonia vaccine in Birmingham is available in two options available, one for £35 or one for £70.

• – Pneumovax 23 is priced at £35 which is usually given to those over 65 who have a long-term health condition such as asthma, COPD, or diabetes.
• – Prevenar 13 is priced at £70 which is usually given to those under 65 who aren’t living with a long-term condition.

Our pharmacist will ensure you receive the most appropriate vaccine for you at your appointment.

Get your Pneumonia Vaccine in Birmingham by booking an appointment with King’s Pharmacy Today!