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Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) - About the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (known as PCV) is given to children as part of the routine immunisation programme. It is also given to some individuals who are at risk due to underlying medical conditions. Vaccination provides good protection against pneumococcal infection.

The vaccine does not protect against all types of pneumococcal infection and does not protect against meningitis caused by other bacteria or viruses.

Prevenar 13 (PCV 13) is given to babies in Wales as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme and some people who have underlying medical conditions.

The vaccine is inactivated (does not contain live germs). Babies will normally have the vaccine as an injection in their upper leg (thigh) or upper arm. Older children and adults will normally be given it in their upper arm.

You can learn more about this vaccine by reading the patient leaflet available on the following link:

If your child has missed any doses speak to your GP or practice nurse for advice. For more information about pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia:

Eligibility for the vaccine

There are two different types of pneumococcal vaccine.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)

The PCV vaccine is offered to all children under two years old as part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme. This vaccine may also be required by some individuals with underlying medical conditions. This page covers the PCV vaccine.

Routine PCV vaccinations are offered to infants at:

  • 16 weeks old (see below), as part of the childhood immunisation programme, and
  • one year of age, on or after their first birthday.

For more information about when the first (16-week) dose is offered, go to changes to the childhood immunisation schedule page. (Need to update this)

Vaccinations for those at risk

Some medical conditions increase the risk of severe infections. These include:

  • not having a spleen
  • having a spleen that doesn’t work very well (including due to sickle cell and coeliac disease)
  • some problems with your immune system (complement disorders), and
  • a very weak immune system.

People with certain conditions may be offered vaccinations depending on the age they are diagnosed, their medical condition and previous vaccinations.

If you have any questions or need more information about the PCV vaccine, speak to your GP, practice nurse, health visitor or school nurse.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV)

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) (23 serotypes) vaccine is offered to people aged 65 and over and to people at high risk due to long-term health conditions.

Safety and effectiveness

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe lung infections (pneumonia), meningitis and blood poisoning (sepsis) caused by pneumococcal infection. No vaccine is 100% effective, so it is still important to know the signs and symptoms of pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis, even if you or your child are vaccinated.  

Side effects of the vaccine

Like most vaccines, the pneumococcal vaccine can sometimes cause mild side effects, including:

  • a mild fever
  • redness at the site of the injection, and
  • hardness or swelling at the site of the injection.

Other reactions are uncommon or rare. For more information on these side effects, see:

If you are concerned about symptoms, contact NHS 111 Wales by calling 111. Calls to NHS 111 Wales are free from landlines and mobile phones.

You can report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card scheme. You can do this online by visiting Yellow Card’s website or by calling the Yellow Card scheme hotline on 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Information for the public

Page last reviewed: 1st August 2025