The disease spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person. It can also spread indirectly through touching contaminated surfaces.
Preventing pneumococcal disease involves practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Vaccination is also crucial for prevention.
In Australia, pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for certain groups, including infants, older adults aged 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 50 years and over, and individuals with medical conditions such as immunocompromising conditions, chronic heart or lung disease, and diabetes.
The National Immunisation Program provides free pneumococcal vaccines to eligible individuals, including infants, older adults, and those with medical conditions that increase their risk of pneumococcal disease. The program includes pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) for infants and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPVs) for older adults and other eligible groups.
It’s essential for eligible individuals to receive the pneumococcal vaccine according to the recommended schedule to protect themselves and others from pneumococcal disease and its complications.
