Pneumococcal disease – immunisation

About pneumococcal disease

Pneumococcal disease is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can lead to:

• Mild illnesses like sinus or ear infections
• Serious illnesses like:
  • Pneumonia (lung infection)
  • Meningitis (brain infection)
  • Septicaemia (blood infection)

Why is immunisation important?

Immunisation helps protect against serious complications such as:

• Sinusitis – facial pain, blocked nose
• Ear infections – ear pain, fever
• Blood infections – fever, body aches, hospitalisation
• Joint and bone infections – pain, swelling, fever
• Pneumonia – cough, chest pain, breathing issues
• Meningitis – fever, stiff neck, vomiting, coma and is fatal in up to 30% of cases

Immunisation against pneumococcal disease

In Victoria, pneumococcal vaccination is free of charge under the National Immunisation Program Schedule for:

Babies and young children

• All babies at 2, 4, and 12 months
• Extra dose at 6 months for:
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies
  • Babies born before 28 weeks
  • Medically at-risk babies
• Catch-up vaccines available for children under 5 years of age
  • The number of recommended doses depends on the child’s age and health.

Adults

Free for:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50+
• All adults aged 70+

People with certain serious medical risk conditions

Some medical conditions put people at higher risk of pneumococcal disease.

Pneumococcal immunisation is recommended for people who have:

• no spleen or have a spleen with poor function
• a weakened immune system – includes people with immune deficiency, HIV infection, people receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, people who have received a transplant or people with a genetic immune deficiency
• leakage of fluid from around the spine and brain (cerebrospinal fluid)
• cochlear implants
• shunts in the brain
• heart disease
• lung disease (including people who smoke)
• diabetes
• down syndrome
• chronic liver disease
• smoke (or who smoked in the immediate past)
• use alcohol to a harmful degree (6 Australian standard drinks per day for men and 4 Australian standard drinks per day for women)

Some health conditions recommended for pneumococcal vaccination are not eligible for free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program. Check with your doctor about eligibility and costs.

Who should NOT receive the pneumococcal vaccine?

Anyone who had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or an ingredient in the vaccine

Before getting vaccinated

Pre-immunisation checklist

Tell your doctor if you or your child:

• Are unwell (fever over 38.5°C)
• Have allergies to any other medications or substances
• Have had a serious reaction to any vaccine, or vaccine component
• Are pregnant

Side effects of the vaccines against pneumococcal disease

Vaccines against pneumococcal disease are effective and safe.

Most side effects are mild and temporary, and do not require specific treatment:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Small lump at the injection site (this may last several weeks)
• Low grade temperature (fever)

To manage side effects:

• Offer extra fluids to drink
• Don’t overdress if feverish
• Use paracetamol if needed (check the correct dose)
• Apply a cool wet cloth to manage injection site discomfort

Seek medical help if:

• Side effects are unexpected, persistent, or severe
• You’re worried about your or your child’s health

Concerns about immunisation side effects

If the side effect following immunisation is unexpected, persistent, or severe or if you are worried about yourself or your child’s condition after a vaccination, see your doctor or immunisation provider as soon as possible or go directly to a hospital. Immunisation side effects may be reported to SAEFVIC, the Victorian vaccine safety service.

Rare side effects of immunisation

There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any vaccine. This is why you are advised to stay at the clinic or medical surgery for at least 15 minutes following immunisation in case further treatment is required.

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
• Emergency department of your nearest hospital
• Your local government immunisation service
• Maternal and Child Health Line (24 hours) Tel. 13 22 29
• Nurse-on-Call Tel. 1300 60 60 24 for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
• Immunisation Unit, Department of Health, Victorian Government Email: immunisation@health.vic.gov.au
• Your local pharmacist
• SAEFVIC, the Victorian vaccine safety service Tel. 1300 882 924 #1