Pneumococcal Disease

Description:   An infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae that can be very severe.

Symptoms:   Fever, chills, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate and weakness.

Complications:   Meningitis, infections of the bloodstream, ear infections, pneumonia, deafness, brain damage in infants.

Transmission:   Spread from person to person via droplet spread, or by direct oral contact or indirect contact with freshly soiled respiratory discharges.

Vaccine:   Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV7) (Prevnar) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV-23) can prevent this disease.

 

Printable Vaccine Information Statement:  Pneumococcal Polysaccharide  &  Pneumococcal Conjugate

Pictures:  CDC pictures / Immunization Action Coalition pictures.