Invasive pneumococcal infections are not reportable, except for pneumococcal meningitis or encephalitis cases that are reportable as bacterial meningitis or encephalitis cases.
What is Pneumococcal Disease?
Pneumococcal disease is a serious illness caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria can cause infections in the lung (pneumonia), blood (bacteremia), ears, or the brain and spinal cord (meningtis or encephalitis).
How it Spreads?
People who are infected can spread the disease when they sneeze, cough, or touch others with unwashed hands.
Who is at Risk?
Some people are more likely to get very sick from pneumococcal disease:
- Children under 5 years old
- Adults 50 years and older
- People with health problems like diabetes, heart or lung disease, or weak immune systems
- People who drink a lot of alcohol or smoke cigarettes
Immunizations
In the United States, there are two vaccines that protect against pneumoccal disease:
- pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PVCs)
- pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPSV23).
These vaccines help protect against many serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?