Protect yourself with the pneumococcal vaccine

Pneumococcal disease refers to a range of infections caused by a bacterium known as Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Many parts of the body can be infected and resulting disease can be severe, including pneumococcal pneumonia, pneumococcal sepsis (bacteraemia) and meningitis.

Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness and death among children. Globally, it is estimated that approximately one million children die due to pneumococcal disease every year.

While pneumococcal disease can impact anyone, young children and people aged 65 years and older are at high risk of severe illness.

Under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), the Pneumococcal vaccine is free and recommended for:

• Infants and children aged <5 years
• Non-Indigenous adults aged ≥70 years
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged ≥50 years
• Children, adolescents and adults with risk conditions for pneumococcal disease

Pneumococcal disease can manifest in several forms, each with varying symptoms and health impacts. Common types include:

• Sinusitis: Infection of the sinuses, causing facial pain, nasal blockage, headache.
• Otitis Media: A middle ear infection, common in children, resulting in ear pain, fever, irritability, hearing loss.
• Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that can result in fever and chills, rapid or difficulty breathing, chest pain.
• Empyema: Infection in the space between the lung and chest wall, presenting similar symptoms as pneumonia.
• Bacteraemia: Bloodstream infection that can lead to sepsis, with symptoms like fever and chills, low alertness and sometimes a rash.
• Meningitis: Infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, resulting in a back arching (in young children), stiff neck, fever, headache, sensitivity to light, confusion, sometimes vomiting.

Transmission and risk factors

Pneumococcal bacteria commonly reside in the nose and throat without causing illness. However, when the immune system is unable to control the bacteria, it can multiply unchecked and spread to other parts of the body.

The bacteria can spread from person-to-person through close contact, coughing and sneezing.

While anyone can contract the disease, certain factors increase the risk of severe illness, including age, underlying health conditions, and living in crowded environments. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations also have higher rates of invasive pneumococcal disease.

Prevention of pneumococcal disease

The most effective way to prevent pneumococcal disease is through vaccination. The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free pneumococcal vaccines for various age groups, including infants and older adults.

You can find out if you’re up-to-date with pneumococcal protection by:

✔️ Talking with your GP
✔️ Talking with your pharmacist
✔️ Accessing your Immunisation History Statement via the Express Plus Medicare App

In addition to vaccination, practicing good hygiene – such as regular handwashing and covering your mouth when coughing – can help reduce the spread of pneumococcal disease.

If you would like to learn more about protecting yourself and others against pneumococcal disease, speak to your GP or immunisation provider. 

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free pneumococcal vaccines for various age groups, including infants and older adults.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosing pneumococcal disease depends on the infection site, and may include urine, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid analyses.

Treatment typically consists of antibiotics, with early diagnosis crucial to reduce the risk of complications. However, antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, highlighting the importance of vaccination.