BOOTS PNEUMONIA VACCINATION SERVICE – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
The Boots Pneumonia Vaccination Service uses a vaccine called Apexxnar ® which protects against 20 strains of streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
Apexxnar® is administered as a single dose which offers long-term protection against pneumococcal pneumonia.
The vaccine is administered by intramuscular injection into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. It is advisable for you to wear a short-sleeved top or loose-fitting clothing for your appointment.
No booster dose is currently recommended.
• Reactions at the site of the injection – swelling, redness or a small, hard lump that’s sore to the touch can occur. This usually only lasts two to three days and doesn’t need any treatment
• Tiredness
• Fever
• Headache
• Joint and muscle pain – these disappear on their own in time, but can be eased with pain relief
• Other side effects may include – rash, decreased appetite, diarrhoea, vomiting and limitation of arm.
No, there are no egg products in Apexxnar®.
Apexxnar® can be given at the same time as most other vaccinations, such as the flu jab.
As part of the consultation, we’ll ask some questions about your medical history so that we can check that the service is suitable for you.
Some people are eligible for a pneumonia vaccination free of charge on the NHS. A type of vaccine known as the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23, Pneumovax) is available on the NHS for adults aged 65 and over. It’s also available on the NHS for children and adults aged 2 to 64 who have certain medical conditions (such as diabetes, HIV or a serious heart or kidney condition), as they are at higher risk of developing pneumonia. People who are severely immunocompromised (including those with leukaemia, multiple myeloma, genetic disorders affecting the immune system, or those who’ve had a bone marrow transplant) should usually have both PPV23 and a different pneumonia vaccination called Prevenar 13®, on the NHS.
Most people will be offered a different vaccine on the NHS called PPV23 or Prevenar 13®. Apexxnar® is not currently available on the NHS.
If you have already had a PPV23 vaccination, then Apexxnar® can be administered after an interval of at least 12 months. If you have already had a Prevenar 13® vaccination, then Apexxnar® can be administered after an interval of at least 8 weeks.
You can change or cancel your appointment by going to My Orders in your account here.
Yes, if you haven’t yet had the appointment, you can cancel your order by going to My Orders in your account here. This will refund the payment to your original payment method. Please allow up to 14 days for the refund to appear on your account.
