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Most people will have no side effects.
If you have a sore or red area on your arm try applying a cold cloth.
If you have a headache or slight fever drink plenty of fluids and take regular doses of paracetamol (but do not exceed the recommended dose).
If you have increased breathlessness, swelling or a rash in the few days after vaccination contact your doctor or nurse.
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Most people only need one dose of pneumococcal vaccine. However if you have certain medical conditions (kidney disease and problems with your immune system) you may need a booster every 5 years.
It is given by injection to the upper outer area of your arm. It takes only seconds. It can be given at the same time as your flu vaccine.
Side effects are usually mild and only last a day or two these include swelling, redness and pain at the injection site occasionally some people experience fever and muscle pain.
The pneumococcal infection is found at the back of the nose and throat of healthy adults and children it is transferred from person to person during close contact. Coughing, sneezing, kissing and touching with unclean hands. Regular hand washing is important to prevent spread of infection.
Pneumococcal disease is the term used to describe a range of illnesses such as pneumonia and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
Patients with asthma have been found to be at higher risk of developing complications of pneumonia. Research shows that the pneumococcal vaccine gives protection to patients with asthma. Ask your GP about the pneumococcal vaccine.
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Influenza is a virus which causes feverish illness, often in seasonal outbreaks.
It is very important that you have your flu vaccination every year. People with asthma are in the high risk group for flu. The influenza vaccine has to be given annually as strains of the flu virus change and new vaccines are developed to give you immunity to the most common strain each year. It is important for protection rather than risk severe illness and possible hospital admission.
The flu vaccine has been proven to reduce exacerbations of asthma and it is very effective in protecting you from risk of severe illness or possible hospital admission.
Your GP surgery offer the vaccine from October to March, if you are unwell the vaccine may be withheld so try to attend early to avoid winter infections.
Flu and pneumoccal vaccines
Exacerbations of asthma are mainly caused by respiratory viruses and bacteria which lead to increased inflammation and chest infections.
The two vaccinations recommended for patients with asthma are:
Research has shown that vaccination can reduce the number of exacerbations of the disease and reduce hospital admissions.
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After you have had an exacerbation or flare up, it is really worthwhile to work on your level of fitness after you have had a bad spell. Each person is different and you may take weeks rather than days to feel back to your usual self again. Your legs may feel weaker because you have being doing less and also because you may have been on steroids. It is possible to get back to your normal even though it will take some time and effort at a time when you may be feeling weak. Getting back to doing the things you enjoy and increasing activities is important to keep you as well as possible.
For more information please read:
NHS Lothian: Self-management plan [.pdf]
Your assessment will usually include the following:
| Pulse Oximeter | Chest X-ray | Blood tests |
|---|---|---|
 This is the small clip which is put on to your finger to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood |
 To check for pneumonia or other problems in the lung |
 To check how the kidney and liver are working, to look for anaemia (lack of iron in your blood), and sometimes check the gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in your blood |
| Electrocardiogram (ECG) | Sputum sample | Spirometry |
 To check your heart function as these types of situations can sometimes put a strain on your heart |
 To check for infection which will help to prescribe the correct treatment for you |
 A Spirometry test can be used to confirm a diagnosis of COPD, it is a breathing test using a spirometry machine. For more information see the topic on Spirometry. |
Many people experiencing an exacerbation of their COPD will be able to have their treatment at home.
However, if your GP is worried about you they may arrange for you to go into hospital. You need to be in hospital if your oxygen levels are low, or you are really breathless and not managing at home.
You may need treatment that is different or more intensive than you have at home.
You should measure your peak flow in the morning and evening before taking your inhalers or as advised by your doctor or nurse.
Peak flow changes throughout the day and is often slightly lower in the morning than the evening.
A chart called a ‘nomogram’ can be used to estimate your predicted peak flow based on if you are male or female, your age and height.
It is important to remember that everyone is different and you should be guided by what is normal for you.
Measuring your peak flow when you feel well will establish your normal or best peak flow.
