Pneumococcal Vaccination
Pneumococci can cause serious infections like pneumonia and meningitis. The vaccination is highly recommended for elderly and chronically ill people.
- STIKO-recommended
- Incl. observation at the practice
Who should be vaccinated against pneumococci?
Pneumococci are bacteria that can cause serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and blood poisoning (sepsis). Especially endangered are infants, people from age 60, and chronically ill people. The STIKO recommends vaccination for everyone from age 60, chronic illnesses, and certain occupational risks. The vaccination is well tolerated and provides reliable protection.
When Is a Pneumococcal Vaccination Advisable?
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults aged 60 and above.
A general booster is not currently recommended; however, it may be advisable based on an individual's risk profile and must therefore be assessed by a doctor.
In addition, pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for all individuals with an increased health risk due to certain pre-existing conditions or with an occupational risk.
VACCINATION SCHEDULE
How the Vaccination Works
The pneumococcal vaccine is an inactivated vaccine. Various vaccines are available on the market, each used according to the specific indication. For individuals over 60 years of age, a pneumococcal vaccine protecting against 23 different pneumococcal types (PPSV23) should be used.
The vaccine is administered into your upper arm muscle. It is common for the body's immune response to cause redness or swelling at the injection site, which may also be painful. General symptoms such as fever, headaches, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain may also occur in the first three days after vaccination. Such vaccine reactions usually resolve within one to three days.
NEXT STEPS
What You Can Do Now
To check whether you have adequate vaccination protection, simply book an appointment to check your vaccination status at one of our avi practices and discuss this with our medical team.
The team will advise you whether you are already protected or whether you should receive a vaccination. In doing so, the doctors will also check whether there are further vaccinations that would be beneficial for you and will administer these directly where appropriate.
VACCINATION PROCESS
How it works at avi
We provide comprehensive information about the vaccination and are available for all your questions.
- 1
Information Consultation
We inform you about the vaccination, possible side effects, and answer all your questions.
- 2
History & Vaccination Advice
We review your vaccination status, pre-existing conditions, and allergies to ensure safe administration.
- 3
Vaccination
The vaccination is administered with minimal pain into the upper arm muscle.
- 4
Observation Period
You stay in the practice briefly for safety so we can react immediately to rare immediate reactions.
PREPARATION & AFTERCARE
Preparation & Aftercare
Before the appointment
Bring your vaccination record
So we can verify your vaccination status and document the new vaccination.
Clarify acute illnesses
We postpone vaccination in case of fever or acute infections. Please let us know in advance.
After the appointment
Take it easy
Avoid intense physical exertion and sports for 1-2 days.
Normal reactions
Local redness, swelling, or mild fever are normal and usually subside within 1-3 days.
Report severe symptoms
For shortness of breath, circulatory problems, or persistent high fever, contact a doctor immediately.
Side effects
Costs & insurance
Covered by statutory insurance
Standard coverage for all statutory health insurance members.
Private / self-pay
from €65