Pneumonia Vaccine in Point Cook
What most people call the pneumonia vaccine is the pneumococcal vaccine. It protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, one of the most common causes of bacterial pneumonia, which can also cause meningitis and bloodstream infection. You can have it at Juniper Avenue Medical Centre in Point Cook.
What the pneumonia vaccine does and does not cover
Pneumonia has many causes. About half of cases are viral, most often influenza, RSV or COVID-19, according to healthdirect. A pneumococcal vaccine guards against one major bacterial cause, so the flu vaccine, RSV vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine each add separate protection.
Free pneumococcal vaccine under the NIP
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) funds the vaccine for:
- all children at 2, 4 and 12 months, with an extra dose at 6 months for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and those with certain medical risk conditions
- children and teenagers from 12 months to under 18 with a specified risk condition, as one dose at diagnosis
- adults aged 65 and over, as one dose
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 25 and over
- adults 18 and over with specified risk conditions
Adults now receive a 21-strain vaccine and children a 20-strain one. Eligibility is linked to Medicare.
Lung, heart and other health conditions
The Immunisation Handbook risk table lists which conditions are covered for free:
- funded: COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, no working spleen, certain immune conditions, cochlear implants, advanced liver disease, and kidney failure with eGFR under 15, including dialysis
- recommended but not funded: severe asthma, type 1 or 2 diabetes, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and in adults, heart failure or coronary artery disease
If your condition is in the second group, the vaccine itself may need to be bought. Ask reception about the cost when you book.
If you have had a pneumococcal vaccine before
Adults who previously had any pneumococcal vaccine are recommended the new adult dose at least 12 months after their last one. If you had it between 18 and 64 because of a risk condition, you do not need another at 65. Whether further doses will be needed has not been established. A GP can check the Australian Immunisation Register for your history.
Pneumococcal vaccine for babies and children
The first dose can be given as early as 6 weeks of age, and the next dose still falls at 4 months. Children who started their course with an older 13 or 15-strain vaccine finish it with the 20-strain one, and those who completed it with an older vaccine do not need an extra dose. Young children are among those most at risk of serious disease, so keeping to the schedule matters. Our child immunisation page covers the other baby vaccines.
Side effects and precautions
Expect possible pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, occasionally a lump lasting some weeks, and a mild fever. Do not have it after anaphylaxis to an earlier pneumococcal dose or one of its ingredients. It is not generally recommended during pregnancy.
Getting the pneumococcal vaccine at Juniper
You can book online or call reception and mention the pneumonia vaccine when you book. Childhood and adult immunisations are bulk billed with all our doctors, and other consultation fees are on the fees page. Our adult immunisation page lists the other vaccines worth reviewing at 65.
Common questions
Do I need a pneumococcal vaccine every year like the flu shot?
No. Most adults need a single dose. The flu vaccine is the yearly one.
I am 66 with no health problems. Is it free?
Yes, one dose is funded for all adults aged 65 and over who are eligible for Medicare.
When is pneumonia an emergency?
Call 000 if someone has trouble breathing, a bluish tinge to the lips or new confusion.