Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus. The disease is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, or direct contact with respiratory secretions or contaminated surfaces.

The bacterium can cause a range of illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis (blood stream infection), and other respiratory infections.

Two types of pneumococcal vaccines are available for use in Australia: (i) pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV); and (ii) a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV). These two vaccine types are not interchangeable and do not contain live bacteria so they cannot cause pneumococcal disease.

Eligible under the NIP in-pharmacy:

• Infants and children at 2, 4, 12 months of age as part of routine childhood vaccination schedule (only SA pharmacist eligible to vaccinate). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI) infants have an additional dose at 6 month of age.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI) Adults ≥50 years of age.
• All adults ≥70 years of age without risk conditions for pneumococcal disease based on previous pneumococcal immunisation status.
• People aged >5 years diagnosed with a specified medical risk condition.*