Vaccination is Protection

Flu is a contagious and infectious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. For most people, the flu resolves on its own. But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly. By being protected from flu, you can reduce the chances of developing fever, respiratory symptoms and other serious health complications.

Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection. It can spread from the nose and throat to ears or sinuses, causing generally mild infections, or spread to other parts of the body, leading to severe health problems such as lung infections (pneumonia), blood infections (bacteraemia), ear infection (acute otitis media) and infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

The vaccine helps protect against the 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria that most commonly cause the above-mentioned serious infections in children and adults. Studies* show that getting at least 1 shot of PCV13 protects 9 in 20 adults 65 years or older against pneumococcal pneumonia.

– Adult age 65 years and older
– People with chronic illness, such as lung disease or diabetes
– People with weak immune systems from disease or medication 

– People who smoke

For Flu Vaccination – there is only one flu shot; as new flu vaccines are released every year to keep up with rapidly adapting flu viruses, you should get the flu vaccination once a year.

For Pneumonia vaccination – there are a total of 2 shots; first, the PCV13 shot and then the PPSV23 shot a year or more later. In usual condition, you will only need a dose each of PCV13 and PPSV23 to be protected in your lifetime

Most common side effects – Local injection site reaction and swelling, redness and pain at the injection site or limitation of arm movement.

Less common side effects – Mild fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, decreased appetite, chills, or rash.

Yes. Pneumococcal vaccination can be taken together with the flu vaccine.

While you can take flu and pneumonia vaccinations together, you are required to have a 2 weeks interval – between Covid-19 vaccination and flu/ pneumonia vaccinations.

Unless you have had an allergic reaction in the past to the vaccine or have allergies to certain components of the vaccine, it is safe to get. It is safe for people taking prescription medications to get vaccinated. 

Yes. As these three vaccines are targeting different viruses/bacteria, we recommend that you receive all 3 types of vaccinations in order to be better protected.