Has anyone been offered the Pneumococcal vaccine?

[Lochy]

Just had a call from my GP surgery offering me this vaccine saying that I qualified for this due to my medications. I’ve asked for more information so will await a call from the nurse but wondered if anyone knew anything about it? Not sure I want any more vaccines at the moment!

[Koalajane]

I had it a couple of years ago at the same time as my flu jab. It was not a problem and does not need repeating

[Kendrew]

Hi Lochy.I was offered the pneumonia vaccine last year and decided to have it as I was on a highish dose of steroids and considered immuno-compromised. Also, I hadn't received my first vaccination. I had the pneumonia vaccination several weeks after my flu jab and suffered no adverse reactions or side effects. My personal feeling based on my own medical history and circumstances was that this was a sensible precaution to take. My vaccination will last for 5yrs before another one is required.

Your own personal circumstances may mean your decision will be different but I'm sure others with more information will be along soon to guide you further.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Had mine a few years ago same time as annual flu vaccine- see attached nhs info - as as you are on steroids you are at higher risk of getting pneumonia -

nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...

[Hidden]

i had it 2 weeks ago. no side effects at all

[PMRrunner]

I was advised to have one when I started taking leflunomide. I had no issues with the vaccination

[yogabonnie]

I had it.. get it! no side effects and only great promise

[HeronNS]

I've had one of the pneumonia vaccines. There are two, at least where I live the second is usually given only to high risk people, at least a year after the first. They cover different strains of the illness. My husband had it. Neither of us had any adverse reaction to the shots we respectively had. I think my doctor offered me that first vaccine because of being on pred, I don't think it is given as a matter of course.

[Lochy]

Thanks for all your replies. Looks like it’s quite common for us to be offered this vaccine whilst on steroids.

[Mazxstitch]

One time jab, usually given along with the flu jab, had it years ago.

[Daffodilia]

I had it a few years ago - no problem

[GrandmaPirate]

I got pneumococcal vaccine offered immediately after I was diagnosed with PMR and put on pred. 20mg/day. I live in Belgium and my rheumy said that this is good practice for patients with PMR on pred. I got this vaccination last year, so before my Astra Zeneca Covid vaccine this year.

[Noosat]

Had the shot when I had 'flu shot. no problems

[nuigini]

My husband and I had it years ago along with the flu jab. No issues at all.

[Marcy47]

My hubby and I both had it just before Covid struck, no reaction at all. Was told it was a once only jab, but my brother-in-law who has had cancer several times was offered a second shot last year which he took, with no side effects.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Marcy47]

There are two differnt ones - and the original one was to be renewed after 5 years. They cover different strains of bug

[Marcy47 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro, that explains it.

😄