Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccination protects against the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia, given as a single dose.
At a glance
Injection
Long-term for most adults after one dose
Single dose; most adults need no repeat dose.
The pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious bacterial infections, including meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia. It’s routinely offered on the NHS to people aged 65 and over and to certain at-risk adults, but if you haven’t been called for yours yet, or would simply rather not wait, you can have it privately at Longridge Travel Health Clinic in Preston.
What is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal bacteria can cause a range of infections, from relatively mild conditions such as sinusitis and ear infections to serious illnesses including pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis. The vaccine is designed to reduce your risk of these more serious infections.
Who should have the pneumococcal vaccine?
The NHS offers one dose to adults aged 65 and over as part of routine care, along with babies as part of their early vaccination schedule. It’s also offered to at-risk adults of any age, including those with sickle cell disease, chronic lung, heart, kidney or liver conditions, diabetes, a weakened immune system (for example due to HIV or chemotherapy), a cerebrospinal fluid leak, or a cochlear implant. Welders and metal workers regularly exposed to fumes are also advised to have it.
If you fall into one of these groups but haven’t yet had a letter or call from your GP, or you’d prefer not to wait, our private service gives you the same vaccine on your own timeline.
Doses, schedule and cost
The pneumococcal vaccine is given as a single dose by injection, at a cost of £50. Most adults need only this one dose for long-term protection, with no follow-up course required.
How long does protection last?
Protection typically begins to develop within about 2 to 3 weeks of vaccination, and lasts long-term for most adults after a single dose.
Common questions
Do I need to be referred by my GP to have this vaccine privately?
No. You can book directly with us, whether or not you’re currently registered as eligible on the NHS programme.
I’m over 65 but haven’t heard from my GP about the pneumococcal vaccine. Can I still have it privately?
Yes. Many people in this position choose to have the vaccine with us rather than wait, particularly ahead of the winter months when respiratory infections are more common.
Can I have this vaccine at the same time as my flu jab?
Yes, the pneumococcal vaccine can be given alongside the flu vaccine, so it’s worth mentioning if you’d like both done in one visit.
Book your pneumococcal vaccination in Preston
Ready to get protected? Book a consultation with our clinical team, or take a look at our full vaccination range to see everything we offer at Longridge Travel Health Clinic.
Other Vaccinations We Offer
Compare doses and prices across our vaccination range, all given at our Longridge clinic near Preston.
Whooping Cough Vaccine
1-dose courseWhooping cough (pertussis) vaccination, a single dose often chosen by pregnant women or adults topping up their protection.
Meningitis B Vaccine
2-dose coursePrivate MenB (Bexsero) vaccination for teenagers, students and adults in Preston.
Shingles Vaccine
2-dose courseShingles vaccination with Shingrix, the same vaccine used in the NHS programme, given privately as a two-dose course.
Vaccination Questions Answered
- Qualified Pharmacists
- Flexible Appointments
- Top Customer Service
Do I need a GP referral for a private vaccination?
No. You can book directly with us for any of the vaccines on this page. Same-day appointments are usually available, and there is no waiting list.
How much do private vaccinations cost?
Individual vaccines range from £40 to £240, and the price includes your appointment with the pharmacist. Meningitis B is priced separately at £140 per dose (£280 for the two-dose course). Get in touch and we will confirm the exact price for the vaccine you need before you book.
Which vaccines can I get free on the NHS instead?
Several, but only for certain ages or groups. Shingles, for example, is free on the NHS from age 65, and whooping cough is offered in pregnancy. If you are not sure whether you already qualify, ask us when you get in touch and we will always tell you honestly rather than sell you something you could get free elsewhere.
Can children have these vaccines?
For suitable vaccines, yes. We will confirm what is appropriate for your child’s age at the appointment. Some services at the clinic, such as blood tests and ear wax removal, are 16 and over, but vaccination age depends on the specific jab.
Is the private vaccine the same as the NHS one?
Yes. We use the same vaccines used in the NHS programmes, for example Shingrix for shingles and the standard MMR vaccine. The difference is convenience and access, not the vaccine itself.
Do you vaccinate for travel?
Travel vaccines are handled separately because the advice depends on where you are going. See our travel health service for hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and anti-malarial tablets.
How long does each vaccine last?
It varies by vaccine. MMR gives long-lasting protection after two doses; shingles protection is strong but not lifelong; flu is an annual jab. Our pharmacist will explain what to expect for the vaccine you are having.
Can I get more than one vaccine in the same visit?
Often yes, depending on the vaccines. Tell us what you are after when you book and we will advise whether they can be given together or need spacing out.
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Ready to Get Protected?
Same-day and weekend appointments at our Longridge clinic, serving Preston, Clitheroe and the wider Ribble Valley. Tell us which vaccine you need and we will usually fit you in the same day.
