Pneumococci vaccine

Pneumococci – symptoms and treatment (2023)

Pneumococci are a type of bacteria that most frequently cause infections such as pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections, but also more serious illnesses such as blood poisoning and meningitis. The infection can affect people of all ages, but the youngest and oldest, as well as people with other underlying illnesses, are especially vulnerable. Transmission occurs through close droplet transmission (such as coughing, sneezing, and the like) from person to person. Both carriers and clinically ill people can be a source for the spread of infection.

Prescription for vaccine

Symptoms of pneumococci

The symptoms will vary depending on where the infection has settled.

The most common localization is in the lungs. This will cause symptoms with:

High fever
Stinging chest pain
Reap
Heavy breath

How to prevent pneumococci?

There are effective vaccines against the disease.

Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for:

All persons over the age of 65.
People who use medication or have a disease that weakens the immune system. The vaccine is also recommended for people at risk of developing serious disease.
Professional groups with a higher risk of infection, e.g. laboratory personnel.

Prescription for vaccine

Treatment of pneumococcal disease

Penicillin is the first choice of treatment when it comes to pneumonia.

Those who develop severe pneumococcal disease are hospitalized, often in the intensive care unit, and the mortality rate is high. The most effective preventive measure is vaccination.

How can Dr. Dropin help you?

Through a self-service prescription, you can get a prescription for the pneumococcal vaccine, and take it in one of our partner pharmacies. The price for a prescription is NOK 295, as well as around NOK 200 for setting the vaccine. You can read more about vaccination in pharmacies here.

We do not have the pneumococcal vaccine available in our clinics, but after ordering a prescription you can also choose to have it taken in a clinic for NOK 695.

Book an appointment Order prescription

Frequently asked questions about pneumococcal vaccine

Which vaccine is offered?

For the elderly, the vaccine Pneumovax is recommended.
Children are vaccinated with a separate pneumococcal vaccine through the child vaccination program.

How long does the vaccine last?

It is recommended to top up with a new vaccine (booster) every 5 years to maintain the antibody level in the blood and hence the effect of the vaccine.

Can I take the pneumococcal vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, for example against influenza and corona?

Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines can be given at the same time, but they should be given in separate arms. A week should elapse between the corona vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine.

What side effects can one expect from the pneumococcal vaccine?

The most common are local symptoms with tenderness and redness at the injection site itself. Some people may feel feverish on the first day. Allergic reactions occur rarely.

Author: Doctor Maren Sveen

Last updated: 04/05/2023