Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain). Vaccination is a safe and effective way of protecting yourself from pneumococcal disease. According to the Australian Immunisation Handbook, the pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for specific groups:
There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines – Prevenar 13 (covers 13 strains) and Pneumovax 23 (covers 23 strains). Hunters Hill Medical Practice offers both types and the choice of vaccine will depend on your age, any medical conditions that may put you at a higher risk of pneumococcal disease, and the appropriate vaccination schedule for you.
Pneumococcal vaccines are contraindicated in individuals who have experienced an anaphylactic reaction after a previous dose of the vaccine. Pregnant women are generally not recommended to have the vaccine.
Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus which is also responsible for chickenpox. While shingles can occur at any age, the risk is higher in certain groups of people:
Shingles causes a painful and blistering rash which usually appears on one side of the face or body. It starts off as painful red bumps which quickly develop into fluid-filled blisters, before healing into a crusty surface. The rash usually lasts for about 10-15 days but can also take weeks to settle. Shingles can also cause sensitivity to light, headaches, and fatigue.
There is no cure for shingles, but antiviral medications can help with symptom relief and reduce the risk of complications. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself as it reduces your chances of developing shingles. The National Immunisation Program provides a free shingles vaccine, Shingrix, to specific groups:
Two doses are required for maximum protection. Speak to your doctor for more information about the shingles vaccine.
Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs and airways. It is a contagious illness that usually begins with flu-like symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, fever, mild dry cough) before progressing to severe bouts of coughing. You are contagious for 3 weeks after the cough starts.
Vaccination is the best protection against whooping cough. The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the whooping cough vaccine for specific groups:
The National immunisation Program provides free whooping cough vaccination for pregnant women (between 20-32 weeks gestation), children (aged 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months, and 4 years), and adolescents (aged 12-13 through school-based vaccination programs).
The whooping cough vaccine is available as a combination vaccine that also protects against other diseases such as diphtheria and tetanus. Speak to your doctor for more information on the whooping cough vaccine.
Whooping cough vaccines are contraindicated in individuals who have experienced an anaphylactic reaction after a previous dose of the vaccine.
As with most vaccinations, you may experience some mild side-effects that should subside in a couple of days. These commonly include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, a mild fever, and muscle aches or tiredness.
Serious reactions to immunisations are rare.
