What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is inflammation of the tissue in one or both lungs and is usually caused by a bacterial infection.

Who is at risk of pneumonia?

Pneumonia affects around 1 in 100 adults every year and can affect people of any age.

In the very young and the elderly, pneumonia can be more serious and may need hospital treatment.

You are at greater risk of pneumonia if:

• You have asthma
• You have diabetes
• You have chronic heart disease
• You smoke

If you have flu, you are 100 times more likely to develop pneumonia.

What are the after-effects of pneumonia?

It can take up to 3 months to recover from pneumonia.

A cough can persist for 2 to 3 weeks after treatment with antibiotics for pneumonia.

Tiredness can persist for up to 12 weeks after contracting pneumonia.

How can you protect yourself against pneumonia?

Vaccination can protect you against pneumococcal pneumonia.

There are two types of pneumonia vaccine – PPV23 and PCV13.

PPV23 is available on the NHS to people aged 65 and over, and people with certain underlying health conditions.

PCV13 (Prevanar13) is a newer technology pneumonia vaccination, only available on the NHS to babies and those with severely compromised immune systems.

Why choose to be vaccinated against pneumonia with Prevanar13?

Prevanar13 vaccinates against 13 of the most common strains of bacteria that cause pneumonia.

Prevanar13 is a newer technology vaccine that gives longer lasting protection versus the traditional PPV23.

The vaccination can be given alongside your flu vaccination at Prestwich Pharmacy.

How much does protecting yourself against pneumonia with Prevanar13 cost?

A private pneumonia vaccination costs £65.

Ordinarily we offer this service at £75 however we are fixing the cost at £65 while the vaccine is administered at the same time as an NHS flu vaccination at Prestwich Pharmacy.