Pneumococcal Disease and You

Why do I need to worry about pneumococcal infection?

Pneumococcal infection can result in serious illness and death. Some types of pneumococcal bacteria cause a condition called invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), which is the leading cause of meningitis in children under 5 years of age. IPD also causes severe pneumonia in adults and children. Trying to prevent pneumococcal infection is therefore important. People with the highest risk of developing pneumococcal infection include children aged less than 5 years, older people and people with immune system problems.

What are the benefits of pneumococcal vaccination?

Pneumococcal vaccinations can help to protect people against IPD. Two different pneumococcal vaccines are currently available in Australia: one for all children aged 6 weeks to 9 years, and one for older children and adults at risk of IPD. These vaccines protect against the most common types of pneumococcal infection. Repeated vaccination is not required each year, but may be needed after 3-5 years.

A scientific study called a Cochrane review* found that pneumococcal vaccination helps to protect older people from developing IPD. The review showed the vaccine was effective in older people, whether or not they had existing medical conditions.

Pneumococcal vaccination has also been shown to protect children against developing IPD and pneumonia.

If I have asthma, do I need a pneumococcal vaccination?

There is not much scientific evidence about whether people with asthma should have a pneumococcal vaccination. A Cochrane review* said that the role of pneumococcal vaccination for people with asthma is unclear, and there is not enough evidence to say that routine vaccination will help to reduce asthma attacks.

However, a recent study found that people with asthma are more likely to develop invasive pneumococcal disease. If you have asthma talk to your doctor about whether you need a pneumococcal vaccination.

Asthma is not an indication for having a pneumococcal vaccination.

If I have COPD, do I need a pneumococcal vaccination?

People with COPD have a greater risk of developing pneumonia caused by pneumococcal infection. Pneumonia can cause serious illness or death in people with COPD. A Cochrane review* showed that pneumococcal vaccination can help to protect people with COPD against developing IPD. Australian experts usually recommend that all people with COPD receive a pneumococcal vaccination.

Australian immunisation guidelines recommend that people who are at risk of IPD due to lung disease, such as COPD, should have a pneumococcal vaccination.

If I have a heart condition, do I need pneumococcal vaccination?

People with heart disease have greater chance of developing pneumococcal infections. Not many studies have looked at the effects of pneumococcal vaccination in people with heart disease, but the vaccination appears to help reduce the risk of IPD.

Australian immunisation guidelines recommend that people who are at risk of IPD due to chronic heart disease should have a pneumococcal vaccination.

Children who are at increased risk of IPD, including those with chronic heart conditions, should receive extra booster doses at 12 months of age and at 4-5 years of age.

If I have diabetes, do I need a pneumococcal vaccination?

People with diabetes have greater chance of developing pneumococcal infections. They also have a higher risk of developing a serious illness from pneumococcal disease. Not many studies have looked at the effects of pneumococcal vaccination in people with diabetes, but the vaccination appears to help reduce the risk of IPD.

Australian immunisation guidelines recommend that people who are at risk of IPD due to diabetes should have a pneumococcal vaccination.

Children who are at increased risk of IPD, including those with diabetes, should receive extra booster doses at 12 months of age and at 4- 5 years of age.

What about the side effects of pneumococcal vaccination?

The most common reactions to both pneumococcal vaccines are soreness and redness at the injection site. Some people develop fever, while some complain of temporary pain or swelling. There may be more soreness at the injection site when people are vaccinated for the second time. More serious side effects are not common.

*A Cochrane review is a well-respected type of scientific study based on evidence from clinical trials.

For further information about Cochrane reviews, go to Informed Health Online at www.informedhealthonline.org