Skip to main content

Pneumococcal vaccine

Professionally updated: September 3, 2024

At Doctors in Denmark, we offer vaccination against pneumococcus, a type of bacteria that can cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis (inflammation of the meninges) and blood poisoning. These diseases can be particularly serious for young children, the elderly and people with certain health conditions.

class="el-image
Jakob Fraes
Specialist in General Medicine, PhD
Read more about Pneumococcal vaccination. Everything you need to know.

Why you need a pneumococcal vaccination

The pneumococcal vaccine helps your body build up protection against pneumococci by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies. This makes you better able to fight the bacteria if you are exposed to them. The vaccine is designed to prevent the most serious forms of illnesses caused by pneumococcus.

The vaccination is especially recommended for people in high-risk groups, but anyone who wants to reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill with pneumococcus can benefit from the vaccine.

High risk groups

High-risk groups refer to people who are at a higher risk of developing serious illnesses or complications if infected with certain pathogens, such as pneumococci or influenza viruses. These groups may benefit more from vaccinations as their risk of serious disease progression is higher. Here is a list of typical high-risk groups:

Seniors (typically 65 years and up)

Ageing can lead to a weakened immune system.

Infants and young children

Their immune systems are not fully developed.

Find a pediatrician

Pregnant women

Pregnancy changes the body's immune system and increases the risk of certain infections.

People with chronic diseases

For example, chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, diabetes or autoimmune diseases.

People with a weakened immune system

This can be due to medical treatments such as chemotherapy, long-term steroid use, HIV/AIDS, or other conditions that affect the immune system.

People living in nursing homes

Close proximity increases the risk of infection.

Healthcare professionals

They are often exposed to infection in their work and can pass it on to vulnerable patients.

Being in a high-risk group means that it is especially important to take precautions against infectious diseases, including getting vaccinated, as this can prevent serious illnesses and in some cases save lives.

How much does a pneumococcal vaccine cost?

How to get the vaccine:

  1. You book a video consultation with your doctor and receive advice and a prescription for the vaccine.
  2. You pick up the vaccine at the pharmacy, bring it to the clinic and receive the vaccine there.
The price of the vaccine at the pharmacy is approximately 300 kr. Add to this a 15-minute video consultation.
Book now