Pneumonia Vaccine Posted or Updated on 20 Jun 2025

What is pneumococcal infection?

Pneumococcal infection is an infection that is caused by bacteria (germs).

Pneumococcus bacteria may be carried in the nose and throat of healthy individuals, without causing any symptoms. However, in a small proportion of infected individuals it can result in permanent brain damage, kill or cause life threatening illness such as: 

• Meningitis (an infection around the brain)
• Sepsis (a life-threatening reaction to an infection)
• Pneumonia (an infection  in the lungs)

The germs that cause pneumococcal infection are common and spread by coughing and sneezing. They are most common in winter months.

Find out more about the vaccine.