What is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection. It can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infection and meningitis, which is inflammation of the membranes around the brain.
People 70 years and over have the highest risk of pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal infections are more common in winter and early spring.
Adult pneumococcal vaccination
Pneumococcal vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself from pneumococcal disease.
Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended and available free of charge under the National Immunisation Program schedule for specific high-risk groups, including:
- non-Indigenous adults 70 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years or over
- any person with certain medical risk conditions.
Pneumococcal vaccine may be given on the same day as other vaccines, including shingles, influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
How to access vaccination
If you are eligible for a free pneumococcal vaccine, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, local council or Aboriginal Health Service about getting vaccinated today.
For more information, visit the Better Health or the pneumococcal vaccine webpage on .
Reviewed 27 June 2024