Pneumococcal Disease
This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about Pneumococcal Disease.
Pneumococcal disease is an illness caused by bacteria.
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The basics
What is pneumococcal disease?
It can infect the lungs, the blood, and the membrane that covers the brain. It is most common in the winter and spring, but can occur year round. Learn more about pneumococcal disease here.
How is pneumococcal disease spread?
The germs spread from person-to-person by direct contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva or mucus. They spray into the air when a person coughs, sneezes or talks. People can carry the germs in their nose and throat, and can spread it without feeling sick.
Who gets pneumococcal disease?
Anyone can get pneumococcal disease. People at high risk include:
- very young children (younger than 2 years old)
- children in group child care
- people 65 years and older
- people of any age who have certain chronic medical problems
- people with weakened immune systems
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of pneumococcal disease?
The most common symptoms are chills, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a severe cough. Other symptoms include stiff neck, headache, pain when looking into bright lights, confusion, and ear pain. Most pneumococcal infections are mild. In some cases, the infection can be deadly or result in long-term problems, such as brain damage or hearing loss.
Prevention
Can you prevent pneumococcal disease?
Yes. There are two vaccines that help prevent the disease. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) protects against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria. These are the strains most likely to cause severe infection in very young children. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) protects against 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria most likely to cause disease in older children and adults. Some people will need more than one dose of pneumococcal vaccine. Check with your health care provider to see what is best for you.
Treatment
How is pneumococcal disease treated?
You can treat pneumococcal disease with antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will determine which treatment is best for you. Some pneumococcal infections are resistant to the usual antibiotics making treatment more difficult. People with more severe cases may need treatment in the hospital, sometimes in intensive care.
Who should get the pneumococcal vaccines?
Doctors recommend vaccination for infants and persons aged 65 and older. Vaccination is also advised for children and adults between the ages of two and 64 years, with underlying conditions such as:
- sickle cell disease
- organ transplantation
- leukemia
- lymphoma
- severe kidney disease
- HIV infection or a weakened immune system
- CSF leaks
- cochlear implants
- asthma
- smoking
Talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you and your family are up-to-date on all recommended vaccines.
How safe are the pneumococcal vaccines?
Any vaccine can cause side effects in some people. Reactions following vaccination are usually mild and self-limited. Some people who get pneumococcal vaccines have a little swelling and pain the vaccine site. This usually lasts for less than 2 days. Fever may occur within the first 2 days, particularly after the PCV13 immunization. Severe side effects, such as allergic reactions, are rare.
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Have questions or want to connect?
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1010 Massachusetts Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
