Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue affecting one or both sides of the chest that often occurs as a result of an infection.
Causes
Half of all pneumonia cases are caused by bacteria, with the peak level in the winter months. The bacterium, streptococcus pneumoniae, known as pneumococcus, is the main cause of the most common type of pneumonia.
Symptoms
Bacterial pneumonia starts suddenly with shivering fits, fever, pains in the chest and coughing. After a day or two the person starts to cough up phlegm which can be yellow, bloodstained or rust-coloured. Breathing becomes fast and shallow with difficulty or pain on breathing deeply or coughing.
Vaccine
All children are offered a pneumococcal vaccination as part of their routine childhood vaccinations. The vaccine is given as three doses, at two, four and thirteen months of age. This is because the vaccines do not give long-term protection in the very young.
Children with diabetes will need a further booster after their second birthday and all people with diabetes should ask for the pneumococcal vaccination if they haven't been offered it. (1)
Full protection is usually found about three weeks after vaccination. At the moment it is not known how long protection will last so revaccination may be necessary in the future.
Pneumonia protection
There is a vaccination available for people at high risk of developing pneumonia which can be given at any time of the year.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination (PPV) is recommended for people with diabetes who are treated with medication so, if you haven’t been offered the pneumonia protection injection, don’t be afraid to ask as you could get it when you attend.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you may receive the vaccine if it is considered that protection is needed without delay.
One injection usually lasts for 10 years.
References
1. Immunisation against infectious disease, The Green Book 2006; Department of Health.
Reviewed October 2011