Your Health

Pneumoccocal vaccinations

The Pneumococcal disease is caused by a bacterium that is passed from person to person by coughing or sneezing. It can lead to meningitis (inflammation around the brain), pneumonia and blood poisoning and less severe middle ear infections. Some people, especially those aged over 65 years and those with certain chronic medical conditions, can suffer serious complications or die from pneumococcal disease.

The pneumococcal vaccine is a very important way to help prevent you catching pneumococcal disease. Recently, the Australian Government announced funding of pneumococcal vaccine for Australians 65 years and over. This program will commence on 1 January 2005. When you get your flu shot in 2005, you should also receive pneumococcal vaccine. In contrast to flu vaccine which you should get annually, you only require two doses of pneumococcal vaccine, 5 years apart. As for flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine will be available from your medical practitioner.

If you would like to be vaccinated against pneumococcal disease prior to 1 January 2005, you can purchase the vaccine from a pharmacy, but will be required to bear the cost. Pneumococcal vaccine is provided at reduced cost under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for Australians aged 65 years and older. For more information, visit the Immunisation web site.