Services - Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal infection is a very serious cause of illness and possibly death, particularly among the elderly population. It can lead to sinusitis, otitis media, osteomyelitis, bronchitis, septicaemia, meningitis and pneumonia, which can be minimised with vaccination. Vaccination is very safe and effective way in preventing invasive pneumococcal infections.

Vaccination is recommended for the following:

• Persons over 65 years of age
• Chronic lung, heart, liver and kidney disease
• Diabetics
• Patients with immunodeficiency due to disease or medications
• Patients with HIV infection
• Patients with absent or non-functioning spleens

Vaccination should not be given in the following situations:

• Pregnancy and breast feeding
• Children under 2 years of age
• Allergy to any of the vaccine components
• Revaccination within 5 years of a previous dose of pneumococcal vaccine
• Revaccination is only recommended for patients with absent or non-functioning spleens and those with chronic renal diseases and then not less after five years of a previous pneumococcal vaccination.

Note pneumococcal vaccination can be given at the same time as the influenza vaccination, but at a different site.