After a bout of pneumonia many people ask whether they should have “the pneumonia jab”. That is the pneumococcal vaccine. The UK National Health Service (NHS) says it helps protect against serious bacterial infections such as meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia, and some types may also help with sinusitis and ear infections. Who should have it, how many doses, who cannot, and common side effects — as the NHS sets them out.
1. Babies: 1st dose at 16 weeks, booster at 1 year — they can have it until they turn 2.
2. Adults 65 and over: 1 dose — most adults need only 1 dose for long-term protection.
3. Some protection after about 2 to 3 weeks.
Who should have it — NHS
| Who | Doses (NHS) | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Babies | 1st dose at 16 weeks, booster at 1 year | 16 weeks is 112 days, about 4 months (our conversion) |
| Adults 65 and over | 1 dose | Age alone qualifies |
| Children and adults at higher risk | At least 1 dose — some may need extra or regular doses | The page gives no interval |
| Some welders and metal workers exposed to metal fumes | Their employer should offer it | Eligible because of work |
Higher risk — the NHS list
The NHS says you’re at higher risk of getting seriously ill from pneumococcal infections if you have:
- sickle cell disease, spleen problems or no spleen
- a long-term breathing condition — COPD or cystic fibrosis
- a long-term heart condition — coronary heart disease or heart failure
- chronic kidney disease
- a long-term liver condition such as cirrhosis
- diabetes
- a weakened immune system from a condition such as HIV or a treatment such as steroids or chemotherapy
- cerebrospinal fluid leaks
- cochlear implants
How to get it — NHS
| Type | What the NHS says | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Invitation | GP surgeries usually contact eligible people by letter, text, phone or email | UK system |
| Contact your GP | If you missed a dose, think you’re eligible but weren’t contacted, or need to rearrange | — |
| Children | Can have it until they turn 2 | Catch up a missed 1-year booster before then |
| With other vaccines | Can be given at the same time as others, such as the flu vaccine | Easy to pair with the autumn flu jab (ours) |
| Types | Prevenar 20 usually for adults and children over 2; Prevenar 13 usually for babies under 2 | UK product names |
Who cannot have it — NHS
Most people can, including if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. The exception is a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or an ingredient. With a high temperature or feeling too unwell for normal activities, wait until you feel better.
Common side effects — NHS
| Type | What the NHS says | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Injection site | Swelling or pain | Most common |
| General | High temperature, tiredness, loss of appetite | Usually short-lived (ours) |
| Babies and children | May be unsettled | Children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen can help, says the NHS |
| Severe allergy | Very rare, usually within minutes | Vaccinators are trained to deal with it |
Get help urgently — NHS
| If | Where | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| A baby aged 3 to 6 months with a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature | Urgent GP appointment or 111 | In Korea, a paediatric or night clinic (ours) |
| A baby who has a seizure or seems unwell | Urgent GP appointment or 111 | — |
How well it works — NHS
Vaccination gives the best protection, but you can still get infected. You usually have some protection about 2 to 3 weeks after the vaccine; most adults need only 1 dose for long-term protection, and most babies need 2 doses.
Symptoms and recovery from pneumonia itself are in pneumonia symptoms.
Checklist
- ☐ 65 or over: check you’ve had your 1 dose
- ☐ Diabetes, long-term heart, lung, kidney or liver conditions, weakened immunity: ask if you’re eligible
- ☐ Babies: 16 weeks and 1 year, before age 2
- ☐ Can be given on the same day as the flu jab
- ☐ High temperature: wait until better
Questions that remain
How often do I need a booster?
The page says most adults need 1 dose and some higher-risk people may need extra or regular doses. It gives no interval.
Is it free in Korea at 65?
This page is UK guidance. For Korean eligibility and cost, check the KDCA immunisation guidance (our note).
Sources
- NHS — Pneumococcal vaccine — source (page shows: reviewed 26 June 2023, next review due 26 June 2026 (past at the time we checked); checked 22 October 2026). What it protects against, who and how many doses, higher-risk conditions, how to get it, who cannot, types, side effects, urgent advice, effectiveness.
- Not read. The ingredient list; the Korean schedule.
- What we added. The “worth noting” column and the Korean care gloss.
Where to check further
- KDCA immunisation helper — Korean eligibility and schedule.
Written on 22 October 2026. The content is from the NHS; the glosses are ours.
