Article · Health news

MHRA publishes pneumococcal vaccine factsheet

Health news Published · sources checked

The MHRA has published a factsheet for patients, parents and carers on pneumococcal vaccines, covering how they work and their safety.

Key points

  • The MHRA's October 2026 Safety Roundup reports a new pneumococcal vaccine factsheet for patients, parents and carers.
  • The factsheet explains how pneumococcal vaccines work and covers their safety and common side effects.
  • It points readers to NHS guidance on who is eligible for vaccination.
  • Healthcare professionals can use it when discussing pneumococcal vaccination.

What was announced

The MHRA says it has released a pneumococcal vaccine factsheet for patients, parents and carers. The factsheet explains how pneumococcal vaccines work, their safety and common side effects, and notes that they do not protect against every type of pneumococcal bacteria.

What it means

The MHRA also says the factsheet is available for healthcare professionals to use when they discuss pneumococcal vaccination with patients. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause illnesses including pneumonia and meningitis.

More guides and news

Educational content. This article summarises public guidance and announcements in plain English for education. It is not medical advice and it cannot say what is right for you: speak to a clinician about your own health, call NHS 111 if you are unsure what to do and 999 in an emergency.