Pneumococcal immunisation is recommended for young children, the elderly and those with a serious underlying medical condition. These people are more likely to become seriously ill or die from this disease. Although pneumococcal disease can occur at any time of the year, it appears to be more common during winter and spring.
Serious side effects or allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare. If you are concerned about your reaction or your child’s reaction to any vaccine, see your doctor immediately.
Immunisation can prevent serious complications and death
Pneumococcal immunisation may not always prevent disease from developing but it can significantly reduce the risk of complications. Some of these complications can include:
- Pneumonia
- Septicaemia (blood infection)
- Meningitis (inflammation of the brain).
Two pneumococcal vaccines are available
Vaccines are available to help prevent infection with the most common strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. A vaccine called Prevenar has been specifically formulated for young children whose immune systems do not respond to other vaccines. It protects against the strains that are responsible for at least 80 per cent of serious pneumococcal disease cases. The risk of infection in young children, especially those under two years of age, can be substantially reduced with this vaccine. It is recommended for children aged two months to five years of age.
There is another vaccine (Pneumovax 23) that protects against some of the most virulent strains of the disease in adults and older children.
People at high risk should be immunised
While pneumococcal immunisation can be done at any time of year, it is good to be protected before winter starts. It will protect you for five years. Booster doses of pneumococcal vaccine are recommended for older Victorians and people with underlying medical risk factors.
In Victoria, the vaccine is provided free of charge for people at increased risk including:
- Children at two, four and six months of age
- Children under five years with certain medical risk factors – these children need extra doses of pneumococcal vaccine at 12 months and at four to five years of age
- Everyone aged 65 years or older
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged between 15 and 49 years with health risks
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older
- All public hospital outpatients and inpatients with high-risk factors.
Other people who should be immunised
Other people who should receive the pneumococcal vaccine include:
- Adults and children with chronic diseases such as heart disorders, diabetes, kidney disorders, asthma and chronic respiratory disorders
- People with immune deficiency from illness or medication (including long-term steroids)
- Transplant recipients or people with a damaged (or no) spleen
- Tobacco smokers.
The pneumococcal vaccine for these other risk groups is not funded under the National Immunisation Program. Speak to your doctor or immunisation provider for further information about the vaccine and its costs.
People who should not receive the vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine should not be given if you:
- Have had an anaphylactic reaction in the past after having the vaccine
- Have received the vaccine within the last three years
- Are pregnant
- Are suffering from an acute illness with fever.
Before immunisation
Before receiving the vaccine, tell your doctor or nurse if you or your child:
- Is under two years of age
- Is unwell
- Has ever had a serious reaction to any vaccine or if they have allergies
- Has low immunity.
Possible side effects of the vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine can cause a range of side effects. These are usually mild.
Common side effects include:
- Redness or mild pain at the injection site – this affects about half those who are immunised
- Low-grade fever
- Sleepiness
- Irritability.
Severe but rare side effects include:
There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction to any vaccine. It is important to stay at the clinic where the immunisation was given for 15 minutes after the immunisation.
Reducing the side effects
The side effects of the immunisation can be reduced by:
- Drinking extra fluids
- Not overdressing
- Taking paracetamol to reduce fever – check the label for the correct dose (especially for children)
- Placing a cold, wet cloth over the sore injection spot.
If you are concerned about any reaction to the vaccine, contact your doctor or hospital.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Your local council immunisation service
- Nurse on Call Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
- Your local community health centre
- Immunisation Program, Department of Health Victoria, Tel. 1300 882 008
- The emergency department of your nearest hospital
- National Immunisation Infoline Tel. 1800 671 811
Things to remember
- Pneumococcal immunisation is recommended for young children, the elderly and those with a serious underlying medical condition.
- The vaccine is provided free of charge for some people who are at increased risk.
- Any side effects to the vaccine are usually mild.
You might also be interested in:
Immune system.
Immunisation - childhood.
Meningitis.
Pneumococcal disease.
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