Pneumococcal Disease

What is pneumococcal disease?

What are the symptoms of pneumococcal disease?

Is pneumococcal disease contagious?

What makes pneumococcal disease a serious illness?

Who is at risk for pneumococcal disease?

What is the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease?

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What is pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by a bacteria known as pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae). Pneumococcus bacteria spread through coughing and sneezing by an infected person. Many people's noses and throats contain pneumococcus bacteria. In some people, the bacteria suddenly invade the body and causes disease. Other people have this bacteria in their body, but do not get sick.

Infection with this bacteria can cause many types of pneumococcal disease. The most common severe forms of pneumococcal disease are pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (bloodstream infection), and meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord). Adults age 65 years and older are most likely to die from pneumococcal disease, but younger adults with certain health conditions are also at increased risk for severe illness and death.

Pneumococcal disease is the main cause of bacterial meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) in young children. Pneumococcus bacteria also causes up to half of all middle ear infections. Children younger than 2 years of age and adults 65 years and older are more likely to become ill with pneumococcal disease.

What are the symptoms of pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease infects different parts of the body, so symptoms depend on the part of the body that is infected.

Pneumococcal pneumonia (lung infection) is the most common severe form of pneumococcal disease. It starts with high fever, cough, and stabbing chest pains. Older adults may experience confusion or low alertness rather than the other symptoms.

Pneumococcal meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) include symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, headache, sensitivity to light, and confusion. Babies may experience low alertness, poor eating and drinking, and vomiting.

Pneumococcal bacteremia (bloodstream infection) include symptoms such as fever, chills, and low alertness. Sepsis is a life-threatening problem that can occur as a result of infection. Without timely treatment, sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Pneumococcus bacteria causes many middle ear infections, and the symptoms include ear pain, fever, red and swollen ear drum, and sleepiness.

Is pneumococcal disease contagious?

Yes, pneumococcal disease is contagious. Pneumococcus bacteria spreads to others through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with an infected person. Pneumococcal infections are more common during winter and early spring when respiratory diseases are more widespread.

What makes pneumococcal disease a serious illness?

Pneumococcal disease is one of the most common causes of vaccine-preventable death in the United States. Most pneumococcal deaths are in adults. Pneumococcal disease can cause hospitalization, severe complications, and long-term problems such as hearing loss and brain damage.

Who is at risk for pneumococcal disease?

Everyone is at risk for pneumococcal disease. Children younger than 6 years of age and adults 65 years and older should get pneumococcal vaccinations. Those who are between 6 to 64 years of age may need pneumococcal vaccinations if they have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk.

Children at higher risk of pneumococcal disease include those:

  • younger than 2 years old
  • who attend childcare
  • who have certain medical conditions (children who don't have a spleen, especially related to sickle cell disease; HIV infection; diabetes; a compromised or weak immune system; nephrotic syndrome; or chronic heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease)
  • with cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid leaks (escape of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord)
  • who are Alaska Native, African American, or American Indian (Navajo and White Mountain Apache)

Adults at risk for pneumococcal disease include those:

  • with certain medical conditions (chronic heart, liver, or kidney disease; chronic lung disease, including chronic obstructive lung disease, emphysema, and asthma; diabetes; or alcoholism)
  • with a weak immune system due to HIV/AIDS, cancer, or damaged/absent spleen
  • with cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid leaks (escape of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord)
  • who currently smoke cigarettes

What is the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease?

The best way to prevent pneumococcal disease is to get the vaccines recommended for you. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines.

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20)

PCV13 protects against 13 types of pneumococcus bacteria. Four doses of PCV13 are recommended for:

  • Children younger than 2 years old.
  • Children 2 through 18 years old with certain medical conditions.

Adults

Check with your healthcare provider about which vaccine(s) you should receive.

PCV15 and PCV20

PCV15 and PCV20 protect against 15 and 20 strains of pneumococcal bacteria. If you have never received any pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, you should get PCV15 or PCV20 if you are:

  • 65 years or older
  • 19 through 64 years old with certain medical conditions or other risk factors

If you receive a dose of PCV15, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23 one year later. PCV20 does not need any additional doses.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)

PPSV23 protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. You should get PPSV23 if you are:

  •  2 through 18 years old with certain medical conditions
  • 19 years or older who receive PCV15

If you have received only PPSV23, you should get PCV15 or PCV20 one year after the PPSV23 vaccination.

Fact Sheet

Vaccine Information

Vaccine Information Statements

Related Information