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Vaccinations are one of the most important tools in preventive medicine. They not only protect us against serious diseases, but also support the creation of the so-called collective immunity, which ultimately translates into the health of the entire society. One vaccination worth considering as an adult is the pneumococcal vaccination. In the article below you will find out who it is recommended for, how to get reimbursement, how many doses you need to take, and why it is important for your health.
Why should adults get vaccinated against pneumococci?
Pneumococci are bacteria that can cause various infections, such as pneumonia, otitis media, and meningitis. Although children are routinely vaccinated against these pathogens, adults should also consider vaccination. In particular, people aged 65 years and older, and people with certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes or respiratory diseases, are at greater risk of complications from pneumococcal infections.
Vaccinating against pneumococci can reduce the risk of illness and health complications, as well as reduce the need for antibiotics, which benefits both the individual and the health care system as a whole.
Pneumococcal vaccination for adults in 2023 – who will benefit from the refund?
In Poland, pneumococcal vaccination is available as part of the National Vaccination Program. In 2023, the use of reimbursement is aimed mainly at risk groups, including people aged 65 and older, as well as people with selected chronic diseases, such as diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
To benefit from the refund, you should consult your general practitioner or specialist who will assess whether you are eligible for vaccination. If so, you will receive a referral for free vaccination at a clinic or vaccination point.
How to get a refund for pneumococcal vaccination?
The process of obtaining reimbursement for pneumococcal vaccination is relatively simple. After consulting your doctor and receiving a referral, go to the selected clinic or vaccination point. There you will be vaccinated free of charge, and the costs will be covered by the National Health Fund.
Remember, however, that vaccination is a one-time protection and the vaccine’s effectiveness may wear off over time. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor regularly to assess the need for any further doses or vaccination refreshment.
How many doses of pneumococcal vaccine should i take?
In the case of vaccination against pneumococci, much depends on the age and health of the patient, as well as on the type of vaccine used for vaccination. In Poland, vaccines containing different types of pneumococcal antigens are used, which affects the number of doses necessary.
In most cases, people aged 65 and over receive one dose of the vaccine, which provides protection against the most dangerous strains of pneumococci. However, if you are at risk or have specific medical indications, your doctor may recommend a different vaccination schedule, including multiple doses at specific intervals.
Is it worth getting vaccinated against pneumococci?
Vaccination against pneumococci is definitely valuable, especially for people in risk groups. It protects against serious infections and can significantly improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of hospitalization. It is worth remembering that pneumococci are one of the main causes of respiratory infections, which can lead to serious complications and death, especially in older people or people with a weakened immune system.
Side effects after pneumococcal vaccination of adults
As with any vaccination, pneumococcal vaccination may be associated with some side effects. The most common are pain and swelling at the injection site, as well as mild systemic symptoms, such as fever or weakness. However, these symptoms usually disappear on their own within a few days.
It is worth remembering that the side effects of vaccination are usually much less troublesome than the symptoms of pneumococcal infection, therefore the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks.
Pneumococcal vaccination for adults – who should not be vaccinated?
Not every adult is a suitable candidate for pneumococcal vaccination. There are certain contraindications that may exclude the possibility of vaccination. People who are allergic to vaccine components, as well as those who have previously had serious allergic reactions after vaccination, should consult a doctor and consider an individual approach to vaccination.
Additionally, pneumococcal vaccination may be postponed in the event of acute illness or fever. It is therefore worth consulting a doctor and discussing any doubts or concerns before the planned vaccination.
Your suggestions
If you have any questions about pneumococcal vaccination, it is worth consulting your doctor or nurse. They are the ones who will best assess whether you are in the risk group and whether vaccination is recommended for you. Let us remember that health protection begins with preventive measures, and vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect against dangerous infections.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about pneumococcal vaccination and other preventive vaccinations, we recommend reading the following articles:
- Protective vaccinations – why are they important?
- Flu vaccinations – who should get vaccinated?
- Protection against infectious diseases – what else can you do?
Remember that in the field of medicine, not only treatment is important, but also prevention. Vaccinations are one of the key elements of health prevention, so it is worth being well informed on this subject.