Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blood poisoning, and other life-threatening conditions—especially in young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions.

In this post, we’ll explain what pneumococcal disease is, the symptoms to watch for, and how vaccination can help protect you or your loved ones—particularly if you’re over 65 or planning to travel.

🌍 What Is Pneumococcal Disease?

Pneumococcal disease refers to a range of illnesses caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium. These illnesses can range from mild (like ear infections or sinusitis) to severe and even fatal.

The most serious forms are called invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD), which include:

Pneumonia
Meningitis
Sepsis (blood poisoning)
Bacteraemia (bacteria in the bloodstream)

💡 Did you know? Pneumococcal infections kill around 1 million children each year globally.

👩‍⚕️ Who Is Most at Risk?

Pneumococcal disease can affect anyone, but some groups are more vulnerable:

Children under 2 years of age
Adults aged 65 and over
People with weakened immune systems
Those with chronic health conditions like diabetes or COPD
Travellers to high-risk areas, particularly for mass gatherings like the Hajj pilgrimage

The bacteria are spread through close contact with respiratory secretions, such as coughs or sneezes, and outbreaks often spike in winter months.

🔍 Common Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type of pneumococcal disease:

Pneumonia (Chest Infection)

High fever and chills
Cough with phlegm or blood
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Weakness or confusion (especially in older adults)

Meningitis

Severe headache
Stiff neck
Sensitivity to light
Vomiting
Seizures
Lethargy or confusion

🕒 Incubation period: Usually 1–3 days, but this can vary.

⚠️ Pneumococcal meningitis can be fatal in 10–30% of cases.

💉 Pneumococcal Vaccination Advice

Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself against pneumococcal disease. The UK offers different vaccines for different age groups and health conditions:

1. For Adults 65+ or at Risk

Pneumovax23® (PPV23): Protects against 23 strains of pneumococcus. A single dose is offered to all adults aged 65+ and younger individuals with chronic conditions.

2. For Babies and Young Children

Prevenar13® (PCV13) and Synflorix® (PCV10): Offered as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK.

💡 At Ready Health, we also offer pneumococcal vaccinations for:

Adults with chronic conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes)
Travellers heading to high-risk countries or mass gatherings like the Olympic Games or Hajj

💉 UK-Approved Pneumococcal Vaccines

Vaccine	Age Group	Doses
Pneumovax23®	≥2 years	1 dose
Prevenar13®	6 weeks–adults	1–3 doses + booster
Synflorix®	7 months–5 years	2 doses + booster

🔎 For more detail, visit Chapter 25 of the Green Book – Pneumococcal

🧳 Travelling Abroad?

Travellers may be exposed to pneumococcal disease in:

Parts of Africa (e.g. the Meningitis Belt)
Areas with poor access to healthcare
Crowded events such as international sporting events or religious gatherings

If you're planning a trip to any of these regions, book in for a travel health consultation to see if the pneumococcal vaccine is recommended.

🛡️ Protecting Yourself at Ready Health

At Ready Health Clinic in Standish, we offer:
✅ Pneumococcal vaccinations for adults and children
✅ Travel vaccines and health advice tailored to your itinerary
✅ Same-day appointments available
✅ CQC-registered private medical services

📍 Serving Wigan, Chorley, Bolton, and Horwich
📞 Call today or book online to arrange your appointment