Topic: Pneumococcal disease and immunisation
Description
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as the pneumococcus). There are several "strains" or types of this bacterium which cause a variety of infections including meningitis, (infection of the covering of the brain), septicaemia (blood infection), pneumonia and middle ear infections.
Pneumococcal disease is most common in children under two years of age and in people over 65 years. Many people carry pneumococcal bacteria in their nose and throat without adverse effects. Middle ear infections and sinusitis, while unpleasant, rarely have serious consequences. Pneumococcal pneumonia is fatal in about 5% of cases but the death rate is 20% to 40% in people with underlying illness. Pneumococcal meningitis can cause death in 10% to 30% of cases with most of these deaths occurring in the very young and the older population.
Pneumococcal disease is not meningococcal disease which is caused by another type of bacterium.
Practical Advice
Immunisation
Immunisation against pneumococcal disease is recommended as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule and the vaccine is available free for the following people in Queensland.
- Children, with doses at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, with doses at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, and a booster dose at 24 months.
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Children under 5 years of age with underlying medical conditions predisposing them to higher rates and complications of pneumococcal disease.
Talk to your doctor or immunisation provider if your child has an underlying medical condition.
In order to be protected, these children require immunisation at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, with a fourth dose at 12 months and a booster dose at 4 years. - Adults aged 65 years and over. One dose of vaccine is recommended, with a booster five years later. No further doses are then required.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years or over. One dose of vaccine is recommended, with a booster five years later.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 15 and 49 years with a chronic illness like heart, lung, kidney or liver problems, or diabetes. One dose of vaccine is recommended, with a booster five years after the first dose, and a second booster either five years after the first revaccination or at 50 years of age (whichever is later).
Immunisation against pneumococcal disease is also recommended (but not funded) for:
- children aged 5 to 9 years who either do not have a working spleen or have an underlying medical condition and who have not received the full 5 doses of vaccine before their 5th birthday. Talk to you doctor or immunisation provider.
- children aged 9 years or younger diagnosed with an underlying medical condition since their 2, 4 and 6 month vaccinations. Talk to your doctor or immunisation provider.
It is important that all recommended doses of the vaccine are received at the recommended times, if it is to be fully effective.
The vaccine
There are two vaccines available in Australia; which one you receive may depend on age and underlying medical conditions.
Possible side effects of the vaccine
Like all medications, vaccines may have side effects. Most side effects are minor, last a short time and do not lead to any long-term problems.
Possible side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine may include swelling, redness and soreness where the injection was given and fever. More serious side effects are extremely rare.
Paracetamol is recommended prior to vaccination for children who have seizure disorders or a previous history of febrile seizures. Talk to your doctor or immunization provider for further advice.
Contact your immunisation provider if you or your child has a reaction following vaccination which you consider serious or unexpected.
Pre-vaccination checklist
This checklist helps your doctor/nurse decide about vaccinating you or your child.
Please tell your doctor/nurse if the person about to be vaccinated:
- is unwell today
- has a disease which lowers immunity (eg. leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS) or is having treatment which lowers immunity (eg. oral steroid medicines such as cortisone and prednisone, radiotherapy, chemotherapy)
- has had a severe reaction following any vaccine
- has any severe allergies (to anything)
- has had any vaccine in the past month
- has had an injection of immunoglobulin, or received any blood products or a whole blood transfusion within the past year
- is pregnant
- has a past history of Guillain-Barr syndrome
- was a preterm infant
- has a chronic illness
- has a bleeding disorder.
A different vaccine schedule may be recommended if the person to be vaccinated:
- identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- does not have a functioning spleen
- is planning a pregnancy or anticipating parenthood
- is a parent, grandparent or carer of a newborn
- lives with someone who has a disease which lowers immunity (eg. leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS), or lives with someone who is having treatment which lowers immunity (eg. oral steroid medicines such as cortisone and prednisone, radiotherapy, chemotherapy).
Care after vaccination
- For redness or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold compress.
- To lower temperature or relieve discomfort, paracetamol may be given.
- If fever persists, consult your doctor.
- If any reaction occurs that you consider serious or unexpected, seek medical advice.
- Contact the service provider if you or your child has a reaction following vaccination.
Where can I be immunised?
You can be immunised at your local doctor or medical centre. Some councils, community child health and community health centres hold free immunisation clinics. Check with them for details.
Other Resources
For further information please contact:
- your doctor
- your nearest population health unit
- 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- Immunise Australia National Infoline: 1800 671 811.
Immunise Australia
A website about childhood immunisation produced by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing.
Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
Information about communicable diseases including vaccine preventable diseases.
Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR)
A website about the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR), produced by Medicare Australia.
Heymann, D., ed. 2004. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th edition. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.
Related Content
Pneumococcal disease - Communicable Diseases factsheet
National Health and Medical Research Council, 2008. The Australian Immunisation Handbook (9th Ed.)
Last updated: 8th March, 2011
Review Date: 24th March, 2010
