Pneumovax II / Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumovax II is a pneumococcal vaccine that contains extracts from 23 of the most common types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for causing invasive diseases such as pneumonia, blood poisoning and meningitis. The vaccine works by provoking the body's immune response to the bacteria, without causing the diseases.
Pneumococcal vaccine is now part of the childhood immunisation schedule for children under two years of age. However, a different pneumococcal vaccine called "Prevenar" is used to immunise this age group. The Pneumovax II vaccine is not recommended for children under two years of age, because it does not stimulate sufficient numbers of antibodies to be produced in this age group.
Pneumovax II is given to immunise adults and children aged two years and over in whom pneumococcal infection may give rise to dangerous complications. This includes people aged over 65 years, people with chronic heart, lung, liver and kidney diseases, people with diabetes, those with a weakened immune system due to disease (including HIV) or treatment (eg chemotherapy, radiotherapy, high dose corticosteroids), people with a malfunctioning spleen, eg sickle cell disease, or who have had their spleens removed, and people who have had cochlear implants.
The vaccination is usually given as an injection into the muscle (intramuscular) of the upper arm, but may also be given under the skin (subcutaneously).
Some vaccines remain effective for a lifetime, while others have to be updated after a few years. With the Pneumovax vaccine, one dose is usually enough. However, a booster dose is recommended every five years for people without a spleen, and those with a dysfunctioning spleen, eg sickle cell disease, or chronic kidney disease
Our reception staff will be happy to make you an appointment to discuss Pneumonia vaccination with one of the nurses.
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