- For adults onlyNSW pharmacists vaccinate from 18 years of age
- Conjugate vaccineThe only type of pneumococcal vaccine a NSW pharmacist can give
- Drop in, no bookingMonday to Friday in store hours, subject to pharmacist availability
How pneumococcal disease causes pneumonia
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infection and meningitis. It is especially serious for young children and older people. The germ responsible, Streptococcus pneumoniae, can also cause middle ear infections (otitis media).
Pneumonia itself has several causes. Healthdirect explains that bacteria or viruses are the most common causes, and that about half of cases are thought to be viral, including flu, RSV and COVID-19. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal pneumonia only, so the vaccines for those viruses still matter.
Free pneumococcal vaccination for adults
Under the National Immunisation Program, one dose is free for:
- adults aged 65 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25 years and over
- adults aged 18 and over with specified medical risk conditions that increase their risk of severe disease
At a NSW community pharmacy, the free vaccine for these groups is the 21-valent conjugate vaccine, Capvaxive. Any other adult can pay for a dose. The pharmacist will tell you whether a condition you have puts you in a free group, or call (02) 4930 4442 to check before you visit.
Children follow a separate schedule, with free doses at 2, 4 and 12 months. Because NSW pharmacists can only give a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to people 18 and over, speak with your GP about children's doses.
Getting the pneumonia vaccine at our pharmacy
- Let the counter team know you would like the pneumococcal vaccine.
- The pharmacist checks your age, medical conditions, allergies and whether you have had any pneumococcal vaccine before.
- You receive the injection, usually in the upper arm.
- Remain in the pharmacy for at least 15 minutes, as the Handbook's after-vaccination guidance recommends, while we watch for any immediate reaction.
- We record the dose on the Australian Immunisation Register, so your GP and other providers can see it.
On the day: bring ID, your Medicare card if applicable, and your vaccination history.
A sore, red or swollen arm and a mild fever are the usual reactions, and they rarely last beyond a couple of days. Occasionally a lump appears at the injection site for several weeks without needing treatment.
When pneumonia needs urgent care
Pneumonia ranges from mild to serious, and Healthdirect says it can be life threatening, especially for babies 12 months and under, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people older than 70. If you or someone with you has pneumonia symptoms along with a bluish tinge to the lips or confusion, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. For trouble breathing, go to the nearest emergency department or call 000. A cold or flu that was improving and then gets worse can be pneumonia, so see a GP.
Your pneumococcal questions answered
I had a pneumococcal vaccine years ago. Do I need another?
It depends on your age, health and earlier doses. The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that adults who have had any earlier pneumococcal vaccine receive a dose of the 21-valent vaccine at least 12 months after their last dose, once they reach an eligible age or condition. The need for further doses has not yet been established.
Can I have it while pregnant?
Pneumococcal vaccines are not generally recommended for pregnant women. Talk to your GP or midwife if you have a risk condition and are pregnant.
See the other vaccines we give on our vaccination services in Abermain page.
Ask about your pneumococcal dose
Visit Abermain Chemist at 193 Cessnock Road, Monday to Friday. Phone first to make sure a pharmacist immuniser is in.