Pneumococcal disease - what you need to know.
What is Pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that is especially serious for young children and older people. It can cause pneumonia (lung infection), otitis media (middle ear infection), bacteremia (infection of the blood stream), and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain).
The pneumococcus bacteria usually live harmlessly in the nose and throat of healthy people, especially young children (up to 1 in 4 children in winter). In a small number of people, these bacteria invade the body or blood stream causing pneumococcal disease.
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you from pneumococcal disease.
Who should get vaccinated against Pneumococcal disease (Prevenar 13 vaccine)?
Vaccination is recommended for specific groups including:
Childhood immunisations at 2, 4, and 12 months of age
non-Indigenous adults aged 70+ years
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50+ years
children, adolescents, and adults with high-risk conditions for pneumococcal disease.
If you’re not sure whether you’ve had a Prevenar 13 vaccine in the past, please contact us on (02) 9789 5955 and our staff can assist you!
If you haven’t had a Prevenar 13 vaccine, book an appointment today and protect yourself and your loved ones from Pneumococcal disease.
