The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (known as PCV) given to children as part of the routine immunisation programme.
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Pneumococcal infection is one of the most common causes of meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain). It also causes ear infections (otitis media), pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and some other serious illnesses.
Some children carry pneumococcal bacteria in the back of their nose and throat. They easily pass these bacteria on to others by coughing, sneezing and close contact.
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (known as PCV) is given to children as part of the routine immunisation programme. It is also given to some people who are at risk due to underlying medical conditions. Vaccination provides good protection against pneumococcal infection.
The vaccine does not protect against all types of pneumococcal infection and does not protect against meningitis caused by other bacteria or viruses.
There are two different types of pneumococcal vaccine.
The PCV vaccine is offered to all children under two years old as part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme. Some people with underlying medical conditions may also need this vaccine. This page covers the PCV vaccine.
Routine PCV vaccinations are offered to infants at:
• 16 weeks old (see below), as part of the childhood immunisation programme, and
• one year of age, on or after their first birthday.
For more information about when the first (16-week) dose is offered, go to Changes to the childhood immunisation schedule.
Some medical conditions increase the risk of severe infections. These include:
People with certain conditions may be offered vaccinations depending on the age they are diagnosed, their medical condition and previous vaccinations.
If you have any questions or need more information about the PCV vaccine, speak to your GP, practice nurse, health visitor or school nurse.
The Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) (23 serotypes) vaccine is offered to people aged 65 and over and to people at high risk due to long-term health conditions.
Prevenar 13 (PCV13) is given to babies in Wales as part of the NHS routine vaccination programme and to some people who have underlying medical conditions.
The vaccine is inactivated (does not contain live germs). Babies will normally have the vaccine as an injection in their upper leg (thigh) or upper arm. Older children and adults will normally be given it in their upper arm.
You can learn more about this vaccine by reading the patient leaflet at:
If your child has missed any doses, speak to your GP or practice nurse for advice.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe lung infections (pneumonia), meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia) caused by pneumococcal infection. No vaccine is 100% effective, so it is still important to know the signs and symptoms of these illnesses, even if you or your child are vaccinated.
For more information about pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia, go to:
www.meningitisnow.org (external site)
NHS 111 Wales - Health A-Z : Pneumonia (external site)
Like most vaccines, the pneumococcal vaccine can sometimes cause mild side effects, including:
Other reactions are uncommon or rare. For more information on these side effects, see:
If you are concerned about symptoms, contact NHS 111 Wales (external site) by calling 111. Calls to NHS 111 Wales are free from landlines and mobile phones.
You can report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card scheme. You can do this online at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or by calling the Yellow Card scheme hotline on 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).