On this page
Pneumococcal disease is the name for a group of infections caused by a germ called pneumococcus. These infections can be mild, like sinus or ear infections, but some are very serious and can lead to:
Pneumonia – an infection in your lungs
Sepsis – a life-threatening reaction to an infection that can harm your whole body
Meningitis – swelling around your brain and spinal cord which can cause long-term health problems or death
For more information about the symptoms of pneumococcal infections go to Pneumococcal infections | NHS inform (external site)
People aged 65 or over and those with certain health conditions have a higher chance of becoming unwell with pneumococcal infection. They are more likely to get serious long-term health problems and can even die. These people are offered a pneumococcal vaccination free through the NHS.
The vaccine is safe and can help protect you against some of the more serious types of pneumococcal infections.
Pneumococcal infections | NHS inform (external site)
Pneumococcal disease | Vaccine Knowledge Project (external site)