In the uk the non conjugate pneumonia vaccine is what GP will normally have in stock so would have to get the conjugate version in as a special request. The recommendation by the consultant from Southampton was to go for the conjugate. He felt that it gave the best chance of giving some protection, considering our damaged immune system, and it is what he gave to his patients. The message from Oxford was the jury is still out.
So in reality it may not make a lot of difference which one we have. I had the non conjugate pneumonia vaccine when diagnosed. Have agreement with GP to have the conjugate vaccine when I come up for renewal after 5 years. It is unlikely you will get the conjugate from the GP without making a request ahead of vaccination.
So you have to make a decision which way you want to go and then get your GP to agree if you decide on the conjugate.
Hopefully either will give some useful protection especially if it is given as early as possible after diagnoses.
Conjugate is more immunogenic. In other words, it tickles the immune system more so it is a better choice for us. It's likely all moot in our case, as our immune responses tend to be pretty pathetic, but this gives us the best chance of raising our antibody levels.
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