Pneumococcus
One of the most dangerous bacteria in the world is the pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae). This germ is responsible for many deaths, especially among the very young and the very old. Among the many types of infections it causes are pneumonia, meningitis and middle ear infections.
Pneumococcal vaccination can now protect people against many of these infections. Vaccination is available for free for all children as part of their routine childhood immunisation programme.
Vaccination to protect against pneumococcus is also recommended for all those who are advised to have an annual flu vaccination — people over the age of 65 years, those with chronic illnesses or lowered immunity and others whose doctors advise them to have the vaccine, including Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders, among whom there is a high incidence of pneumococcal disease.
Your doctor can talk to you about your risk or your child's risk of pneumococcal infection, and discuss the vaccination schedule that you or your child may require.
Last Reviewed: 07 January 2008
