Pneumococcal Vaccine (13-valent)

The Pneumococcal (13-valent) Vaccination Service from Ways Pharmacy is a private, pharmacist-administered immunisation with the PCV13 conjugate vaccine (Prevenar 13) against 13 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, administered by appointment at Ways Pharmacy, London (GPhC-registered), for infants and at-risk children and adults.

Key facts

Who should consider it

• Infants and young children whose parents want protection outside the routine NHS schedule
• Adults with conditions that raise pneumococcal risk, such as asplenia, sickle cell disease or a weakened immune system
• People with long-term heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, or diabetes, advised to have the conjugate vaccine
• People advised to have PCV13 in addition to the PPV23 polysaccharide vaccine

Not suitable for: people with a confirmed allergy to any vaccine component or to a previous pneumococcal conjugate dose; people who are acutely unwell with a fever on the day. The pharmacist will confirm suitability at your appointment.

How to book

1. Select the service and complete payment online.
2. Call Ways Pharmacy Holborn on 020 8106 7084 to arrange a convenient appointment.
3. At the appointment, the pharmacist reviews age, medical history and previous pneumococcal doses to confirm the right schedule.
4. The vaccine is administered into the upper arm (or thigh in infants), followed by a short observation period.

Frequently asked questions

How many doses of PCV13 do I need?

It depends on age and risk group. Infants typically receive a dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year, while most at-risk adults need a single dose. The pharmacist will confirm the exact schedule for you or your child at the appointment.

What is the difference between PCV13 and PPV23?

PCV13 (Prevenar 13) is a conjugate vaccine covering 13 serotypes that produces a stronger, longer-lasting response in infants and high-risk groups. PPV23 (Pneumovax 23) is a polysaccharide vaccine covering 23 serotypes, mainly used in adults 65 and over. Some at-risk people are advised to have both; the pharmacist will explain the right order and timing.

Where do I get vaccinated?

The vaccine is administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist at Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, Holborn, London WC1B 4ET, near the British Museum and Holborn station. You can read more on our Holborn branch page.

Can my child have it with other routine vaccines?

Yes. PCV13 can be co-administered with most routine childhood vaccines at different injection sites. The pharmacist will plan timing if you wish to combine appointments.

Is this an NHS service?

No. This is a private vaccination service. The NHS provides pneumococcal conjugate vaccine free to infants and eligible at-risk groups; this service is for people who prefer a private route or fall outside current NHS eligibility.

Safety / who should not

• Administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist in a private consulting room
• Clinical screening on the day to confirm suitability and check for acute illness
• Not given to anyone with a confirmed allergy to a vaccine component
• 15-minute observation period after the injection
• Common side effects (injection-site soreness, mild fever, irritability in infants) usually settle within 1 to 2 days

References

• NHS — Pneumococcal vaccine
• Prevenar 13 — Patient Information Leaflet (emc)

* Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria and clinical exclusions apply. This is a private service and is not provided by the NHS.