Pneumococci are one of the most common causes of severe pneumonia, and for particularly vulnerable groups, an infection can have serious consequences. The pneumococcal vaccine is therefore an effective tool to protect yourself and your loved ones. In this post, we review what the pneumococcal vaccine protects against, who should consider it, and how to get it at Valida Health.
What are pneumococci?
Pneumococci are bacteria that can cause several different types of illness, from mild infections such as middle ear infections to serious conditions such as pneumonia, blood poisoning, and meningitis. The bacteria typically spread through droplet infection, for example, by coughing and sneezing, and many healthy individuals carry pneumococci in their nose and throat without themselves becoming ill. The problem arises when the bacteria are able to penetrate deeper into the body, which can particularly happen in people with a weakened immune system or underlying diseases. Precisely because the bacteria are so widespread in the population, and transmission occurs through common cough and sneeze droplets, it is impossible to completely avoid contact with them – therefore, vaccination is the most effective way to protect the most vulnerable groups.
Who should consider pneumococcal vaccination?
The pneumococcal vaccine is especially recommended for groups who have an increased risk of a severe course of illness:
- Elderly people, whose immune system naturally weakens with age
- People with chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, COPD, and other lung diseases
- People with a weakened immune system, for example, as a result of certain treatments or diseases
- Smokers, as smoking increases the risk of respiratory infections in general
- People who have had their spleen removed, or whose spleen functions impairedly
If you are in doubt about whether pneumococcal vaccination is relevant for you, our healthcare professionals can help assess your situation based on your age and medical history. Generally, the more risk factors you have, the greater the benefit of getting vaccinated, but the vaccine can also be relevant for healthy individuals who wish to minimize their risk as much as possible, for example, before a longer trip or during periods of increased infection pressure.
What protection does the vaccine provide?
The pneumococcal vaccine protects against the most common and pathogenic types of pneumococcal bacteria. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of developing serious pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia with complications, blood poisoning, and meningitis. As with other vaccines, it does not provide 100% protection, but it reduces both the risk of becoming infected and the risk of a severe course if you do get infected.
How serious is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumonia caused by pneumococci is one of the most common causes of hospitalization among the elderly and chronically ill in Denmark. For most healthy adults, a pneumococcal infection runs a relatively mild course, but in people with a weakened immune system or chronic illness, the infection can develop rapidly and severely. In the most serious cases, the bacteria can spread to the bloodstream or the meninges, requiring acute treatment. Precisely because the course can vary so much from person to person, prevention through vaccination is particularly important for groups at increased risk.
How to get the pneumococcal vaccine at Valida Health
The pneumococcal vaccine is one of our order vaccines, which means it may not necessarily be in stock at the clinic but can be ordered with a short delivery time. Here's how it works:
- Contact us by email at info@validahealth.dk, by phone, or book an appointment online so we can order the vaccine for you.
- Vaccination. Vaccination can take place at our clinic in Hellerup, at your own home, or at your workplace.
- Observation. After vaccination, it is recommended that you stay for about 15 minutes for observation.
- Registration. Your vaccination will be registered in your vaccination record on Sundhed.dk.
Subsidy for your vaccination
If you are a member of Sygeforsikringen "danmark" in group 1, 2, or 5, you can receive between 50 and 75% subsidy for your vaccinations, including the pneumococcal vaccine. It is recommended to check the current subsidy rules before booking an appointment.
Are there side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine?
As with most vaccines, the most common side effects are mild and temporary: soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, and in some cases slight headache, muscle soreness, or fever in the days following vaccination. Serious side effects are rare. Vaccination is postponed in cases of acute illness, fever, or known severe allergy to one or more of the vaccine's ingredients.
How often should one be vaccinated?
Depending on the type of pneumococcal vaccine used and your individual risk profile, a single dose or revaccination after a period of years may be necessary. Our healthcare professionals will advise you on which type is relevant for you and when any revaccination should take place.
Can the pneumococcal vaccine be combined with other vaccines?
This is assessed individually based on your health condition and other vaccination needs. Many people choose to receive the pneumococcal vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine, for example, as both are relevant for the same risk groups. Contact us, and we will find the best solution for you.
Frequently asked questions about the pneumococcal vaccine
Is the pneumococcal vaccine only relevant for the elderly?
No. Although the elderly are one of the primary risk groups, the vaccine is also recommended for younger people with chronic diseases, weakened immune systems, or other risk factors.
How long does it take before I can be vaccinated when the vaccine needs to be ordered?
Since the pneumococcal vaccine is an order vaccine, you should expect up to a couple of days' delivery time from when you contact us until the vaccine is ready for use.
Can I get the vaccine in my own home?
Yes, vaccination can be arranged in your own home or at your workplace for a fee for travel, in addition to the vaccine itself.
Do I get a subsidy for the pneumococcal vaccine?
If you are a member of Sygeforsikringen "danmark" in group 1, 2, or 5, you can receive 50-75% in subsidy. Other insurance schemes may also cover the vaccination – check your own scheme for details.
Do I need to bring anything for the vaccination?
Yes, remember your health card or other valid identification when you show up for vaccination, whether it takes place at the clinic or at your home.
Book your pneumococcal vaccine at Valida Health today
Whether you belong to a risk group yourself or wish to protect a loved one, we will help you through the entire process – from ordering the vaccine to vaccination and registration in your vaccination record. We offer vaccination at the clinic, in your own home, or at your workplace, making it as easy as possible to start your protection.
Contact us to order your pneumococcal vaccine, or book an appointment at Valida Health today.
