Pneumococcal infection is the most common cause of pneumonia in Australia. The infection can also cause meningitis and blood poisoning.
People with chronic illness and the elderly are at most risk. Vaccination is an important measure available to prevent pneumococcal infection.
Pneumococcal Vaccine is NOT a live virus – you cannot get infection from the injection.
Pneumococcal Vaccine is FREE for:
People with chronic illness and the elderly are at most risk. Vaccination is an important measure available to prevent pneumococcal infection.
Pneumococcal Vaccine is NOT a live virus – you cannot get infection from the injection.
Pneumococcal Vaccine is FREE for:
- Everyone 70 and over
- Indigenous people up to 14ys plus aged 50yrs and over
- Indigenous people 10 and over with specific illnesses and
- Children as part of the immunisation schedule
Pneumococcal Immunisation in Children
As well as pneumonia, children, particularly those at high risk, may also develop meningitis or septicaemia (blood poisoning). Pneumococcal vaccines are effective in reducing these serious forms of the disease, but less effective in preventing the more common middle ear infections. Additional pneumococcal vaccinations are recommended for medically at risk children |
At risk groups in Children:
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The Vaccine:
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Recommended for:The NHMRC recommends Pneumococcal vaccination for :
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Adverse Reactions:Pneumococcal vaccination complications are rare :
Up to 20% of people may feel a bit off colour and have local redness and soreness at the injection site. Serious side effects are very rare. With Prevenar, there is a higher rate of inflammation at the site of injection and it should be given in a different limb to the other vaccines administered at that visit if possible. The only absolute contra-indication to Pneumococcal vaccines are
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