Pneumococcal vaccine - do you have it?

It is usually only given once. Usually offered to all diabetics, asthma patients on regular medication, stroke patients, heart disease patients, those without a spleen etc. DH and I both had ours probably about 15 years ago in my case and 10 years ago for DH. Worth having in my opinion.

I had it a couple of years ago and the nurse warned me it only offers partial protection,

A friend had no reason to think he was at any risk of pneumonia until he recently fell from a step ladder, breaking 6 ribs. This did put him at risk of developing it and he was told that having the vaccine a couple of years ago stood him in very good stead. He is recovering well!

I had it at 65. And so far I haven't had pneumonia.

I had it 3 years ago with the flu jab. One day feeling poorly then fine. It is a one off and protects for up to 10 yrs I believe.

NHS Scotland website states that it is usually only given once. Perhaps it's different in England.

I think it’s worth having and it lasts 10 years. Unless it’s changed to a one off now. No after effects,

I had it a few years ago- as far as I know it is a one/off, I did not hesitate, I live on my own and must stay as fit as possible.

I had it no after effects afterwards at all

I had it years ago, due to lung conditions and suffered no side effects. It's one off.
Pneumonia nearly killed my father, so I have seen how dangerous it is.

Re the age - I'm not 70 yet and this is the second year I've been offered this vaccine, so I was first offered it at 68.

However - the GP practice has run out of stock! So I have to wait and keep phoning them to check when it will be available again.

True Monica sometimes our decisions are not rational. I refused it in the past, because I just didn't feel like having it! - no real reason.

Didn't think twice about this jab, or shingles.

For totally irrational reasons I do not have the flu jab. I have never in my life had flu or anything like it.

Willow Not sure about age as last year my health centre offered me the injection (via automated message on house phone) I would have been 57/58 yrs

If you are at greater risk ie by age, why not have an immunisation offered that is free, safe, and has a chance of protecting you against pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis?

Okay, I'll have it.

Both DH and I have had it. DH had pneumonia when he was working. It wasn’t picked up straight away and he was so ill we thought he might not recover. It’s a nasty illness. Have the jab.

Yes I was told it lasts 10 years , I guess I am half way there !

Both DH and I had the vaccine last year, no side affects (not even a sore arm)

I had it a couple of years ago - no problems and I think I was told it lasts for life.

I think it's a one off like the shingles jab. It's usually offered to those 70 and over unless there are health issues which put you at risk. Definitely worth having if it's offered in my opinion.

It’s not annual I think it lasts ten years
Anyone can get pneumonia Grannyknot All the people I know who ve had it have been a lot lot younger than me and all reasonably fit

I had it three years ago Why the hesitation My friend was in intensive care for some weeks and another an acquaintance not friend died from pneumonia so I felt it well worth to take what was being offered No problems no side effects hopefully protection for a good while

Aggie I declined it because I didn't think I was at risk of catching pneumonia.

However, it's not just about pneumonia! Or so the nurse explained to me.

Is it an annual vaccine like the flu one?

I was told I should have it and they would get back in touch - not heard anything so far. Nephew who is only in his 40's has had pneumonia twice in the last couple of years and paid to have the injection this year.

Why did you decline it ? I got it one year with the flu jab , it didn't harm me in any way , but it does protect against that form of Pneumonia