Travel vaccination

Pneumonia (Pneumococcal) Vaccination

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal infections, which can cause pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis. It is mainly recommended for older adults and people with certain health conditions.

£90 per dose

£90 per dose — single-dose course

Who it is for

Adults aged 65 and over and people with certain long-term health conditions or weakened immune systems.

Number of doses

Usually a single dose for most healthy older adults; some at-risk groups may be advised to have additional doses.

When to have it

At any suitable time of year; it does not need to be linked to travel and can be arranged alongside other vaccinations.

How long protection lasts

Long-lasting for most healthy adults after a single dose; some higher-risk groups may need repeat doses.

How it is given

A single injection, usually into the upper arm.

Price

£90 per dose

Quick answer

The pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis. It is mainly recommended for adults aged 65 and over and people with certain long-term health conditions, rather than for travel. The pneumococcal vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.

About Pneumonia (Pneumococcal) Vaccination

Pneumococcal infections are caused by a type of bacteria that can lead to serious illnesses including pneumonia, blood poisoning (septicaemia) and meningitis. These infections can be particularly dangerous for older people and those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

The bacteria are spread through coughs, sneezes and close contact. While many people carry the bacteria without becoming unwell, those in higher-risk groups are more likely to develop severe disease.

The pneumococcal vaccine helps the body build protection against the most common types of these bacteria and is usually given as a single dose. It is offered to older adults and people in at-risk groups. Our clinician will assess your age, health and individual circumstances to advise whether vaccination is suitable for you.

Timing

At any suitable time

The vaccine can be given at any time of year and does not need to be linked to travel, though it is often arranged alongside other routine vaccinations.

Effectiveness

Good level of protection

The vaccine provides good protection against serious pneumococcal disease, particularly the more severe forms such as blood infections and meningitis.

Duration

Long-lasting for most adults

For most healthy older adults a single dose provides long-lasting protection, while people in certain at-risk groups may be advised to have additional or repeat doses.

Signs & symptoms

  • Cough, sometimes producing phlegm
  • High temperature, fever or chills
  • Difficulty breathing or rapid, shallow breathing
  • Chest pain that is often worse on breathing in
  • Confusion or feeling generally very unwell, particularly in older adults
  • In severe cases, blood poisoning (septicaemia) or meningitis

Who should consider this vaccine?

Pneumococcal vaccination is mainly recommended for adults aged 65 and over and for people with certain long-term health conditions or weakened immune systems. It helps protect against serious infections such as pneumonia, blood poisoning and meningitis. Our clinician will assess your age, health and circumstances before recommending it.

High Risk Areas

Pneumococcal disease is not linked to travel destinations and occurs worldwide. Those most affected include adults aged 65 and over, young children, and people with long-term heart, lung, liver or kidney conditions, diabetes, or weakened immune systems.

Traveller Risk Factors

This vaccine is largely age and health related rather than travel related. It is most relevant for older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, those without a working spleen, and anyone with a weakened immune system, all of whom are at greater risk of severe pneumococcal infection.

Who should have this vaccine

Pneumococcal vaccination is mainly an age and health related vaccine rather than a travel vaccine. It is recommended for adults aged 65 and over and for people of any age with certain long-term health conditions or a weakened immune system, who are at greater risk of severe pneumococcal infection. Our clinician will assess your age, health and individual circumstances before advising whether the vaccine is suitable for you.

  • Adults aged 65 and over
  • People with long-term heart, lung, liver or kidney conditions
  • People with diabetes or a weakened immune system
  • Those without a working spleen or with a non-functioning spleen
  • People with a cochlear implant or certain other conditions advised by a clinician

The vaccination course

For most healthy older adults the pneumococcal vaccine is given as a single dose. People in certain higher-risk groups may be advised to have additional doses or a repeat dose to maintain protection over time. The vaccine is given as an injection, usually into the upper arm, and can be arranged at any suitable time of year.

  • A single dose is usually sufficient for most healthy adults aged 65 and over
  • Some at-risk groups may need an additional or repeat dose
  • Given by injection, usually into the upper arm
  • Can be given alongside other routine or travel vaccinations

How long does protection last

For most healthy older adults a single dose provides long-lasting protection against serious pneumococcal disease, particularly the more severe forms such as blood poisoning and meningitis. People in certain higher-risk groups, such as those without a working spleen, may be advised to have repeat doses at intervals to maintain protection. Our clinician can discuss your individual circumstances and whether any further doses may be advised.

  • Long-lasting protection for most healthy older adults after one dose
  • Some higher-risk groups may need repeat doses over time
  • Protection is strongest against the most serious forms of disease
  • Individual advice can be provided at your appointment

Possible side effects

Most side effects from the pneumococcal vaccine are mild and short-lived and tend to settle within a couple of days. Serious reactions are rare. If you have any concerns after vaccination, our clinical team can advise you.

  • Tenderness, redness or swelling at the injection site
  • A mild fever or raised temperature
  • Feeling tired or generally unwell
  • Aching muscles
  • Serious allergic reactions are very rare

Frequently asked questions

Medically reviewed by Crewe Travel Clinic clinical team · Last reviewed 13 June 2026

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