Pneumococcal FAQ's

If you have any queries or concerns about vaccines please contact your GP or local health office

What is pneumococcal disease?

Back to Top

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacteria which causes pneumococcal disease. It is a major cause of illness and death, particularly amongst the very young, the very old and those who have no spleen or weakened immunity.

How do I get pneumococcal disease?

Back to Top

Bacteria are spread from person to person by coughing, sneezing or close contact. The bacteria can be carried in the nose and throat without doing any harm but sometimes they can invade the lungs and bloodstream causing pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis.

How serious is pneumococcal disease?

Back to Top

Pneumococcal disease is a very serious disease. It is a major cause of illness and death, particularly amongst the very young, the very old and those with no spleen or impaired immunity. It is a major cause of pneumonia in the community.

Also causes

• Meningitis
• Sinusitis
• Osteomyelitis
• Bronchitis
• Ear infection
• Blood stream infection(Bacteraemia)

Over the years Streptococcus pneumoniae has become resistant to many medications making the treatment of pneumococcal infections much more difficult. Prevention of disease through vaccination is now more important than ever.

Who is at risk of pneumococcal disease?

Back to Top

Everybody is at risk of getting pneumococcal disease but older people and very young children are most at risk from infection. Particularly at risk are people who are already ill, have no spleen or have a weakened immune system;

How can pneumococcal disease be prevented?

Back to Top

Pneumococcal disease can be prevented by vaccination.

Over the years Streptococcus pneumoniae has become resistant to many medications making the treatment of pneumococcal infections much more difficult. Prevention of disease through vaccination is now more important than ever.

Vaccination is recommended for those at risk of the disease.

Who should be vaccinated?

Back to Top

Pneumococcal disease is a very serious disease. It is a major cause of illness and death, particularly amongst the very young. Those with the following conditions should be vaccinated.

Everybody aged 65 years and over

Also people with ;

• Diabetes mellitus
• Chronic heart, respiratory or liver disease
• Chronic renal disease or nephrotic syndrome
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Those with missing or non functioning spleens
• Those with immunodeficiency due to disease or treatment
• Persons with HIV infection or AIDS
• Vaccination is not recommended for healthy young adults, as there is little risk of pneumococcal infection.

What are the potential side effects of the pneumococccal vaccine?

Back to Top

The vaccine is very safe. Approximately 50% will get tenderness and redness at the injection site. Less than 1% will develop fever, aches or more severe local reactions.

Is it possible to get the disease from the pneumococcal vaccine?

Back to Top

No, you cannot get pneumococcal disease from the vaccine as it does not contain live bacteria.

Can you get the pneumococcal vaccine the same time as the flu vaccine?

Yes Pneumococcal vaccine may be given at the same time as influenza vaccine. Your doctor may safely give the two vaccines when you attend for your influenza vaccine.

Where can I find out more?

Back to Top

You can ask for further information regarding immunisation from your G.P., Public Health Nurse or Local HSE Office.

You can download the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide patient information leaflet here in English or Irish.

See the National Immunisation Guidelines of Ireland 2008, Chapter 12 for more detailed information

See the Health Protection Surveillance Centre web site for more detailed information on influenza Available at http://www.ndsc.ie