Pneumococci are bacterial pathogens that can lead to dreaded inflammatory diseases of the meninges (bacterial meningitis) and the lungs (bacterial pneumonia). Inflammations of the middle ear (otitis media) and the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis) are also frequently caused by this pathogen.

Infection occurs as droplet infection. Treatment of pneumococcal disease is complicated by the increase in antibiotic resistance seen worldwide. In many healthy people, the pathogen is present in the area of the nasopharynx. The risk of disease to the germ carrier itself or to other persons who may be infected by it depends on the individual’s defenses. Vaccination against pneumococcus is therefore indicated for certain population groups.

Pneumococcal vaccination:

  • Until 2 years of age: 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV).
  • From 2 years of age: 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Who should get vaccinated?

  • All children up to 24 months of age (PCV).
  • Persons over 60 (PPSV)
  • Persons with increased health risk due to an underlying condition – such as chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weakening of the immune system, condition after splenectomy (PCV + PPSV).
  • Children over 2 months of age with certain underlying conditions or chronic diseases (PCV + PPSV).
  • Professional activities such as welding and cutting of metals (PPSV).

Timing of vaccination:

In infancy from the completed 2nd month of life. Vaccination three times. Pneumococcal vaccination should be given at the earliest possible time.
In adulthood, from the age of 60, one vaccination (polysaccharide vaccine) and revaccination at 6-year intervals.

For persons at increased risk, booster vaccination sequentially with the conjugate vaccine followed by the polysaccharide vaccine after 6-12 months.

Common vaccine reactions:

The vaccine, which has been available for children under 2 years of age in Germany since July 2001, has been on the market in the USA for some time and has shown good tolerability.