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. The Australian Government announced funding of pneumococcal vaccine for Australians 65 years and over. This program commenced on 1 January 2005.

For more information, visit the Immunisation web site.