Pneumococcal vaccine
If you are 65 or over, or have a long term health condition you will be invited for the pneumococcal vaccine to help protect you from serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. These infections can lead to pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis. In some cases, pneumococcal infections can lead to permanent brain damage and death.
The pneumococcal vaccine is a single vaccine providing lifetime cover, however if you have an underlying health condition, you may need one every 5 years. The vaccine is inactive therefore it cannot cause the disease it protects against.
Protect yourself and re-assure your loved ones. Speak with your GP practice about having your vaccine today.
Shingles
Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the skin around it. It is caused by the reawakening of the chickenpox virus. Roughly 1 in 4 people who have had chickenpox will go on to develop shingles.
People tend to get shingles more often as they get older and the older you are, the worse it can be. If you are turning 65, aged 70 to 79 years old or aged 50 or over with a severely weakened immune system you are eligible for the shingles vaccine.
Symptoms of shingles include pain, followed by a rash which looks similar to chickenpox. This rash will develop into itchy blisters and after a few days, these blisters will turn into scabs. Pain can vary from mild to severe and may be experienced as a dull, constant or as a burning sensation.
