Pneumococcal
What you need to know
Pneumococcal in Babies
You can get pneumococcal at any age, but if you are under 2 years of age or over 60 you are at a higher risk. Pneumococcal infection can lead to pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia (infection of the blood).
The Facts
1 in 10 people
who contract Pneumococcal will die.
1 in 4 survivors
will have disabilities like blindness, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, seizures, deafness, intellectual disabilities, limb loss, psychological trauma and skin scarring.
Know the signs and symptoms
Pneumococcal Meningitis can kill within 24 hours! The time between the first symptoms and you being in a critical condition may only be a few hours
Every case is different. You can often show signs in a different order or some not at all, so you need to be on the look out for all of them – check your fridge magnet!
There are over 100 strains of Pneumococcal, and vaccination only covers the most common strains, so make sure you are aware of these signs and symptoms
Act immediately if you suspect Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal is a medical emergency. Symptoms develop and deteriorate quickly so ACT as soon as you think something is wrong.
Go straight to your GP or the hospital and ask them directly “could it be Pneumococcal”
Trust your instincts – you know yourself and your children better than anyone else!
If you get worse, even after seeing a doctor, even after a short period, return to the hospital immediately. Trust your instincts, as every second counts!
Vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective protection.
Remember though, with over 100 srains, just because you’re vaccinated doesn’t mean you are fully protected against every strain.
If you have a child under 2 check with your Dr, Pharmacy or Community Health Centre to ensure they are up to date with all of their free pneumococcal vaccines
If you are over 70, or 50 if indigenous, check with your doctor to make sure you’ve had your free Pneumococcal vaccine. Don’t assume! 2 in 3 seniors have missed this vaccine, so ask today, it may save your life!
Know
the signs and symptoms.
Act
Immediately! Symptoms can appear fast and progress quickly, trust your instincts. Go to hospital. Every second counts.
Vax
Vaccination is the most effective protection.
Learn about Dean's and others stories
Pneumococcal Vaccination/Needles Schedule (FREE)
| 2 months | 4 months | 6 months | 12 months | On diagosis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babies under 12 months | 1 x dose | 1 x dose | 1 x dose | 1 x dose | |
| Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders Under 12 Months | 1 x dose | ||||
| Medical Risk babies Under 12 months | 1 x dose | ||||
| Medical Risk children Under 18 years | 1 x dose |
| Dose 1 | Dose 2 | Dose 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults over 18 with a medical risk | 1 x dose | 1 x dose | 1 x dose |
| Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders at 50 | 1 x dose | 1 x dose | 1 x dose |
| 70 and Over | 1 x dose |
How is it caused?
- Pneumococcal meningitis is caused by a bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae. There are over 100 different types (or strains)
- Pneumococcal bacteria can be carried harmlessly in the back of the throat by both adults and children
- Virtually all children will become carriers at one time or another.
- Bacteria are passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and intimate kissing
- Sometimes when the pneumococcal invades, it can overcome the body’s defences and lead to serious and life threatening infection
- Bacteria can be transferred to the meninges (lining of the brain) via the bloodstream causing Pneumococcal Meningitis
- Pneumococcal can also cause other serious infections such as pneumonia, blood poisoning, and less serious infections such as otitis media, glue ear and sinusitis. Together these are known as pneumococcal disease or pneumococcal infection
How is it treated?
Pneumococcal meningitis requires rapid admission to hospital and urgent treatment with antibiotics. If treated promptly, it is less likely to become life threatening.
Pneumococcal in Seniors
FAQs
Am I fully covered if vaccinated?
With over 100 strains (or types) of pneumococcal,vaccination only covers the most common strains so make sure you know your signs and symptoms
Is the vaccination free?
Yes!! For babies and once you turn 70 (or 50 if Indigenous/Torres Strait Islander) just visit your Doctor, Pharmacy or Community health Centre
How do I check if I’m vaccinated?
Check your My Gov records or ask your Doctor, pharmacist or Community Health Care Centre
What if I’ve missed my vaccine?
It’s quick, easy and free to catch up, just talk to your GP, Pharmacist or Community Health Centre and they’ll get you caught up for free!
Is the Pneumococcal vaccine sometimes called the pneumonia vaccine?
Yes
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