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
How can pneumococcal disease be prevented?
Pneumococcal disease can be prevented by vaccination. Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) has been given to children with special medical conditions in Ireland since 2002.
All babies will be offered the pneumococcal vaccine at 2 and 6 months of age and will receive a booster dose at 12 months. For more information about this vaccine click here
PLEASE NOTE It is safe to give 3 vaccines together, the vaccines are timed to give your baby the best protection.
The pneumococcal vaccine parent information leaflet is available for download. It is also available in the following languages English, Irish, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Polish, Russian and Romanian.
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
Where can I find out more?
You can ask for further information regarding immunisation from your G.P., Public Health Nurse or Local HSE clinic.
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