Vaccination can offer some protection against pneumonia. The NHS recommends:¹

·       - pneumococcal vaccine to protect against infection with S. pneumoniae (pneumococcus) – usually for babies (at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year) and adults over 65 (one dose), but anyone at higher risk of pneumococcal infections may have the vaccine;²¹

·       - flu vaccine – offered seasonally to pregnant women, adults over 65, people living in care homes, people with certain long-term health conditions, and those at high risk of catching (eg immunosuppressed) or passing on flu (carers);²²

·      - RSV vaccine – for adults aged 75 to 79 (a single dose), and during pregnancy (every pregnancy from 28 weeks onwards to help protect the baby);^23,24

·       - COVID-19 vaccine – offered seasonally to people at increased risk from COVID-19, those aged 75 or older, and those living in adult care homes.²⁵

Pneumonia vaccination is also recommended for employees exposed to welding or metal fumes who may be at risk of pneumococcal lobar pneumonia.²⁶

Stopping smoking can reduce the risk of pneumonia, its severity and its recurrence. A 2021 study found that people who smoke are at a higher risk of being hospitalised repeatedly with pneumonia. Smokers had a 42% higher risk of recurring pneumonia compared to non-smokers during a year of follow-up after hospitalisation for pneumonia. The risk halved in ex-smokers at 24%.^27,28