A peaceful Mediterranean coastline and blue sea
Travel health.
Clearly explained.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines protect against selected strains of bacteria that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infection.

What is it?

Pneumococcal disease ranges from ear and chest infections to invasive meningitis and septicaemia.

Where it may be relevant

  • Children following the routine programme
  • People with specified medical risk factors
  • Those needing specialist catch-up or risk-based vaccination

Dose schedules.

The clinician will select the appropriate licensed schedule after reviewing age, health, previous doses and departure date.

Age- and risk-based course

Eligible people

Dose 1Clinical schedule

Current UK products and schedules have changed; confirm against the latest UKHSA guidance.

Who may be eligible

  • People meeting current age or clinical-risk recommendations
  • Schedule and product determined by age, health and previous pneumococcal doses

Who may not be eligible

  • Anyone with a confirmed severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or a vaccine ingredient
  • People who are acutely unwell with a significant fever may need vaccination deferred
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding, immune suppression and current medicines must be reviewed individually

Potential side effects

  • Pain, redness or swelling where the injection is given
  • Headache, tiredness, muscle aches or a mild fever
  • Feeling faint around the time of vaccination

Important risks and precautions

  • A severe allergic reaction is very rare and requires urgent treatment
  • Protection is not absolute, so relevant food, water, bite or exposure precautions remain important
  • The exact product and schedule must be confirmed during a clinical assessment

Clinical references

Further information.

Information is general and does not replace a personal assessment, prescribing decision or the latest destination-specific advice.

Frequently asked questions

What does the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protect against?

It protects against selected pneumococcal strains that can cause invasive disease.

Who should consider the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine?

It is mainly offered through NHS age- and risk-based programmes.

How many doses of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine are needed?

The schedule depends on age, medical risk and previous vaccination.

Can I have the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine close to departure?

Book an assessment even when departure is close. Whether vaccination can be completed or still provide useful protection depends on the product, previous doses and time available.

Can the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine be given with other vaccines?

Many vaccines can be given at the same appointment, but spacing rules can apply to some live vaccines. The clinician will check the products, your history and the proposed schedule.