Pneumococcal vaccination program for older Australians - common questions & answers for the public
State and Territory information:
Question and answer fact sheet about pneumococcal vaccine for people over 65 years, including symptoms, eligibility and side effects.
Who is eligible for free pneumococcal vaccination under the National pneumococcal vaccination program for older Australians?
Why do I need vaccination against pneumococcal disease?
What are the signs and symptoms of pneumococcal disease?
How often do I need to be vaccinated?
What's the difference between pneumococcal and meningococcal disease?
How are pneumococcal bacteria spread?
How can I protect myself?
If I have previously had a pneumococcal infection do I still need to get vaccinated?
Where can I get the vaccine?
Does the vaccine have any side effects?
More information
Who is eligible for free pneumococcal vaccination under the National pneumococcal vaccination program for older Australians?
The National pneumococcal vaccination program for older Australians commenced on 1 January 2005 and provides free pneumococcal vaccine to adults aged 65 years or over.Why do I need vaccination against pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease comprises a range of infections and can be life-threatening.Pneumococcal disease does not just affect children. People over the age of 65 years and young children under the age of 2 are at higher risk of contracting pneumococcal disease than the rest of the population. Even healthy persons aged 65 or over are at greater risk of contracting the disease.
In 2004, there were 650 cases of serious pneumococcal disease, and 94 deaths, in Australians aged 65 years or over.
Indigenous Australians are also more at risk than non-Indigenous Australians. For this reason, free vaccine is also available through the National Indigenous pneumococcal and influenza immunisation program (NIPII) for all Indigenous people over the age of 50 years and those aged 15 to 49 years who have medical risk factors. See Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for more details.
In adults, pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common form of serious (invasive) pneumococcal disease. It usually requires hospitalisation. Other forms of pneumococcal disease are infection around the brain (meningitis) and blood poisoning (septicaemia).
Pneumococcal disease can occur at any time of the year, although infections seem to be more common during winter and spring. Vaccination will help protect you against pneumococcal disease.
What are the signs and symptoms of pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease can cause a range of illnesses depending on which part of the body is infected, for example:Pneumonia (lung infection) - symptoms include fever, cough, chest pains and breathing problems, such as shortness of breath.
Meningitis (infection of the membranes (meninges) that enclose the brain and spinal cord) - symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, and sometimes coma.
Bacteraemia - also known as septicaemia - (bacteria invade the blood). A serious condition, symptoms include fever, headache and muscular aches and pains.
How often do I need to be vaccinated?
The recommended schedule for vaccinations in the 65 years or over age group is one dose on or near 65 years, then a single booster dose 5 years later.If you have received a pneumococcal vaccination within the last 5 years, you should consult your general practitioner or other health care provider about whether you require revaccination at this time. Revaccination within three years is not recommended due to the increased risk of local reactions.
What's the difference between pneumococcal and meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is caused by different bacteria to pneumococcal disease. While meningococcal disease can affect all age groups, it primarily affects children under five years and young people in the 15 to 24 year age groups. Meningococcal disease normally presents as inflammation around the brain (meningitis) and blood poisoning (septicaemia).How are pneumococcal bacteria spread?
The bacteria are spread in droplets shed from the mouth or nose through coughing, sneezing or contact with articles that have been contaminated with infected droplets. Most of the time, this doesn't cause any illness in healthy persons, however, people in high risk categories and those with reduced immunity may develop pneumococcal disease. Infection occurs when the pneumococcal germ invades the body from the throat or nose, or is inhaled into the lungs. The incubation time (time taken for the germ to cause signs and symptoms) for pneumococcal disease can be as short as 24 hours.How can I protect myself?
The pneumococcal vaccine used in the Program is called PneumoVax®23. It provides protection against the 23 most common strains of pneumococcal bacteria responsible for most cases of disease in adults in Australia. Because there are a small number of strains that aren't covered by the vaccine, you should always seek medical help if you develop any of the signs and symptoms of pneumococcal disease, even if you have been vaccinated.The pneumococcal vaccine can be given at the same time as the influenza vaccine, but remember that influenza vaccination needs to be repeated every year.
If I have previously had a pneumococcal infection do I still need to get vaccinated?
There are many different types of pneumococcal bacteria, and infection with one type doesn't provide immunity against the other types. Therefore, it is recommended that you do receive the vaccine.Where can I get the vaccine?
The vaccine can be administered by your health care provider or local doctor. The vaccine is free if you are 65 years or over. You do not need to purchase the vaccine from a pharmacist, but it is important to note a consultation fee may be payable to local doctors.Does the vaccine have any side effects?
The vaccine is very safe. Some recipients may experience mild side effects following pneumococcal vaccination such as some pain or swelling at the injection site and, occasionally, low-grade fever. Like any medicine, vaccines can cause severe allergic reactions, but the chances are extremely remote.More information
Contact your health care provider, doctor or State or Territory Health Department for more details.Page last modified: 07 January, 2005