Pneumococcal Infection Prevention - Strategies and Importance

Preventing pneumococcal infections involves measures such as vaccination and good hygiene practices.

Pneumococcal Infection Prevention FAQ

What can I do to protect myself from pneumococcal disease?

Learn what else you can do to help protect yourselves and others from pneumococcal disease. There are two kinds of pneumococcal vaccines recommended in the United States: These vaccines protect against many, but not all common types of pneumococcal bacteria. Also, the protection from these vaccines is good but not perfect (or 100%).

What is pneumococcus pneumoniae?

Pneumococcal Disease. Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus, is a type of bacterium that causes pneumococcal [noo-muh-KOK-uhl] disease. Pneumococcal infections can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Children younger than 2 years old and adults 65 years or older are among those most at risk for disease.

Who is a risk factor for pneumococcal disease?

children under 12 months who have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk of getting serious pneumococcal disease (6 doses in total over a number of years) all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or over (3 doses in total) all non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 70 years or over (1 dose)