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Pneumococcal Disease

(Streptococcus pneumoniae)
What is pneumococcal disease?
Who gets pneumococcal disease?
How is pneumococcal disease spread?
When does pneumococcal disease occur?
How soon after infection do symptoms occur?
What are the symptoms of pneumococcal disease?
How is pneumococcal disease diagnosed?
How is pneumococcal disease treated?
What is being done to monitor antibiotic resistance among pneumococcal infections?


Is there a vaccine that can prevent infections?
Yes. There are two different vaccines – one primarily for adults and one for children. The vaccine for adults has been available for many years and is called the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax or Pnu-Imune). It is effective in preventing the most serious complications of pneumococcal infection. The pediatric vaccine is called the pneumococal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar) and is only for use in children under 5 years of age.
Who should receive the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine?
  • All adults 65 years of age and older.
  • All persons 2 years of age and older with:
    • chronic illness such as diabetes, heart or lung diseases;
    • anatomic or functional asplenia (without a spleen);
    • immunocompromised conditions (due to disease, cancer, chemotherapy, or steroids);
    • HIV infection.
Who should receive the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine?
  • All children less than 24 months of age.
  • All children aged 24- 59 months with high risk medical conditions. Your child's doctor can tell you which vaccine your child should receive.
How can antibiotic resistance be prevented?