If you have any queries or concerns about vaccines please contact your GP or local health office
What is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection
. 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.
Are there different types of Pneumococcal Disease?
Yes. Pneumococcal disease is caused by members of the Streptococcus pneumoniae family of which there are more than 90 types.
How do people get pneumococcal disease?
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?
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.
Pneumococcal disease also causes
- Meningitis
- Sinusitis
- Osteomyelitis
- Bronchitis
- Ear infection
- Septicaemia (blood poisoning)
How
can pneumococcal disease be prevented?
Pneumococcal disease can be prevented by vaccination. Vaccination is currently recommended for those at risk of the disease.
Is there a vaccine available?
There are two vaccines available – one for children under 2 years of age and one for older children and adults. These vaccines are currently recommended for people at increased risk of infection.
Who is at increased risk of pneumococcal disease?
Children with the following conditions should be vaccinated.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Disorders of the immune disorders including those with cancers and those receiving chemotherapy
- Disorders of the spleen.
- Long term heart, lung, liver or kidney disease
- Sickle cell disease
- Persons with HIV infection.
- Those who have received or are about to receive a cochlear implant
Will the vaccine be made available for all children?
Yes. Proposed
changes to the National Immunisation Schedule include the addition of pneumococcal vaccine to the childhood immunisation schedule. It is proposed that these changes will be implemented in 2008
Where can I find out more?
You can ask for further information regarding immunisation from your G.P., Public Health Nurse or Local HSE Office.
See the National Immunisation Guidelines of Ireland 2002, Chapter 12 for more detailed information on Influenza vaccination at http://www.ndsc.ie
See the Health Protection Surveillance Centre web site for more detailed information on influenza Available at http://www.ndsc.ie
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