Pneumococcal vaccine – information for the public
Published
The vaccine protects against the pneumococcal bacterium, which can cause pneumonia, blood poisoning (sepsis), and meningitis. This page provides information about the pneumococcal vaccine, who should get it, and where you can receive it.
Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine?
- Everyone aged 65 and older
- You will be offered the vaccine through the Adult Immunisation Programme in the year you turn 65.
- The vaccine is also recommended for people with:
- Weakened immune systems (due to illness or medication, e.g. HIV, immunodeficiency, cancer)
- Chronic lung disease
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Diabetes
- Blood-brain barrier defects (such as cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks)
- Absent spleen or reduced spleen function
- Reduced lung function (e.g. after a stroke or due to multiple sclerosis)
- Other individuals at increased risk based on a medical assessment (e.g. people experiencing homelessness, people with alcohol dependency, people who inject drugs, those who have previously had pneumococcal pneumonia or invasive pneumococcal disease).
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The pneumococcal vaccine is also included in the Childhood Immunisation Programme. See information for parents about the pneumococcal vaccine.
Recommendations and advice on this page can never replace a consultation with healthcare personnel. Contact your doctor or vaccination clinic for an assessment of your needs.
Why should you get the pneumococcal vaccine?
The pneumococcal bacterium is one of the most common causes of pneumonia in older adults.
It can also lead to more serious illnesses such as blood poisoning (sepsis) and meningitis. People who develop severe pneumococcal disease are often hospitalised, and the risk of death is high – even with timely and proper treatment.
The pneumococcal bacterium is commonly found in the nose and throat, especially in healthy children. It spreads through coughing and sneezing. Most people who are exposed do not become ill, but some may develop serious disease.
The risk of severe illness increases with age and with certain underlying conditions – especially those that affect the immune system. The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect you from serious illness.
Where can you get the pneumococcal vaccine?
Your local authority is responsible for offering the pneumococcal vaccine if you are eligible through the Adult Immunisation Programme. You can find information about where to get vaccinated on your municipality´s website. Your general practitioner (GP) may also offer the vaccine or provide information about where it is available.
People who are recommended to receive the vaccine but are not eligible through the Adult Immunisation Programme can still get vaccinated at their GP’s office, a vaccination clinic, or a pharmacy. Please note: if you choose to get vaccinated at a pharmacy, you will first need a prescription from a doctor.
What should you know before getting vaccinated?
The vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm, and only one dose is needed.
Several different vaccines against pneumococcal disease are available. For older adults and people in risk groups, the following vaccines are recommended: Pneumovax, Prevenar 20, or Capvaxive. All of these provide good protection.
Through the Adult Immunisation Programme, Prevenar 20 is offered in the year you turn 65. If you are not eligible for the vaccine through the programme, your doctor can advise you on which vaccine is best for you.
You can receive other vaccines at the same time – for example, the vaccine against influenza and the vaccine against coronavirus.
It takes 10 – 14 days after vaccination before you can expect the vaccine to take effect.
The pneumococcal vaccine can be given at any time of the year.
You should get the vaccine even if you have previously had pneumococcal disease.
If you are currently unwell and have a fever above 38°C, you should wait until you are fever-free before being vaccinated.
How often should you get the pneumococcal vaccine?
The need for booster doses depends on which vaccine you receive.
- Pneumovax: If you are vaccinated with Pneumovax and still need protection against pneumococcal disease, a re-immunisation is recommended every 6 years.
- Prevenar 20 and Capvaxive: There are currently no recommendations for booster doses after vaccination with these vaccines.
Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about whether you need the vaccine.
How much does the pneumococcal vaccine cost?
The cost of the pneumococcal vaccine depends on whether you are eligible through the Adult Immunisation Programme and which municipality you live in.
In the year you turn 65 years, you are offered the vaccine at a reduced price through the Adult Immunisation Programme. The co-payment (including both the vaccine and administration) are NOK 110 if given on its own, or NOK 85 if given together with the vaccine against coronavirus and/or the influenza vaccine.
For most people who are not eligible for the reduced-price vaccine through the programme, the cost ranges from NOK 400 to 1,400, depending on which vaccine is used. In addition, the vaccination provider charges a fee for administration, which varies by location.
Certain high-risk groups may receive the vaccine free of charge with a blue prescription (blå resept), but most people will have to pay. If you are at risk of pneumococcal disease due to your job, your employer is responsible for covering the cost.
If you are eligible for the vaccine through the immunisation programme, or if your employer is covering the cost, it is important to receive the vaccine through the municipal vaccination service – otherwise, you may end up paying more.
Children receive the vaccine free of charge through the Childhood Immunisation Programme.
Effectiveness of the pneumococcal vaccine
The vaccine provides good protection against serious illness.
It protects against the most common strains of the bacterium but does not cover all types. This means you may still become ill from pneumococcal bacteria even if you are vaccinated.
Side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine
The most common side effects are temporary tenderness, redness, and swelling at the injection site, as well as fever. Allergic reactions may occur, but are very rare.
There is no evidence that the pneumococcal vaccine causes chronic or serious illness, or increases the risk of such conditions.
Symptoms that occur after vaccination are not always caused by the vaccine itself. They may be signs of an unrelated illness that requires treatment. If you are concerned, contact your doctor.
The pneumococcal vaccine does not contain live pneumococcal bacteria, so it cannot give you pneumococcal disease.
About the pneumococcal vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine contains sugar molecules that resemble the sugars found on the surface of the pneumococcal bacterium. These molecules help train your immune system to recognise and fight the bacterium if you are exposed to it in the future.
Several vaccines with different mechanisms of action are available in Norway. The vaccine you are offered depends on factors such as your age, underlying health conditions, and whether you are in a risk group for severe disease.