How are children protected against pneumococcal disease?

Vaccines or needles are the best way to protect children against some very serious infections.  The National Advisory Committee on Immunization strongly recommends routine immunization.

The conjugate pneumococcal vaccine protects children under 5 years of age who are at a higher risk for pneumococcal infections like pneumonia, bacteraemia (infection of the blood) and meningitis (infection of the brain).

What causes pneumococcal disease?

One type of bacteria, called streptococcus pneumoniae (or pneumococcus), is a common cause of invasive bacterial infection.  This type of bacteria can cause any of the following:
1.  pneumonia (lung infection)
2.  bacteraemia (infection of the blood)
3.  meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)

Pneumococcal infection is also a frequent cause of ear infections (otitis media).

Pneumonia, bacteraemia and meningitis can sometimes cause death or permanent damage, especially in people with a high-risk medical condition.

Sometimes antibiotics don't work against the pneumococcal infection (this is called antibiotic resistance).  When there is antibiotic resistance, it is more difficult to treat the infection.

How do you get pneumococcal disease?

Healthy people often have pneumoccal bacteria in their nose and throat.  In most people, the bacteria will not cause serious illness.  But in some children, especially those with high-risk medical conditions, the bacteria can cause disease.

Why is the pneumococcal vaccine important?

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial infection in children under 2 years of age.  Pneumococcal (conjugate) vaccine can prevent pneumonia, bacteraemia and meningitis cause by streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.

The vaccine is recommended for high-risk children under the age of 5 years (as these children are at an increased risk for invasive pneumococcal disease).  About one in four children who become ill from invasive pneumococcal disease have an underlying medical condition.

(This fact sheet provides basic information only.  It must not take the place of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Always talk to a healthcare professional about any health concerns you have and before you make any changes to your diet, lifestyle or treatment.)

Pneumococcal Information Package for Physicians

For more information about pneumococcal infections or the pneumococcal vaccine, try the Ministry of Health's fact sheet.