What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
Symptoms can either develop suddenly over 24 to 48 hours or slowly over several days. The most common symptoms include:
- A cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Feeling generally unwell
- Sweating or shivering
- Loss of appetite
- Chest pain
Other less common symptoms include:
- Coughing up blood
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Wheezing
- Joint or muscle pain
- Feeling confused and disorientated
What is the pneumonia vaccine?
The pneumonia vaccine is designed to help prevent you from contracting this type of infection. It typically offers some protection by around 3 weeks from the date you have the vaccine on. Most people just need to take 1 dose in order to benefit from long-term protection from pneumonia, and it is only after 5 years that this protection may start to reduce.
Who can have the pneumonia vaccine?
The pneumonia jab in the UK can be offered privately in our Day Lewis pharmacies. However, if you are over 65 or fall within a high-risk group, you are eligible for the free NHS pneumococcal vaccination from your surgery.
The high-risk factors include:
- Chronic respiratory, heart or liver condition
- Diabetes
- Suppressed immune system
What are the side effects of the pneumonia jab?
As with all medicines, this vaccination can cause side effects. Common pneumonia jab side effects include:
- A high temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Swelling or pain at the site of the injection
Where can I have the vaccine?
If you would like the pneumonia vaccine through our private service or need further information, speak to our local Day Lewis Pharmacy team today.
Where can I get a free pneumonia vaccine?
As mentioned previously, you can get a pneumonia vaccine on the NHS free if you fall into a high risk group. If this applies to you, you can speak to your local Day Lewis Pharmacy to get more information.
