• Immunization Program Main
• Changes to Universal Vaccine Purchasing
• For Schools and Parents
• Immunizations
• For Health Care Providers
• Vaccines
• Forms and Publications

---

• Department of Health Home
• Community and Family Health Main
• Office of Maternal and Child Health Main
   

---

 

Pneumococcal Disease

Pneumococcal disease in adults: Pneumococcal disease is spread by coughing and sneezing. Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord), or blood stream infections. The bacteria is one of the most common causes of death in the United States from a vaccine-preventable disease. Pneumococcal pneumonia begins with high fever, cough, and stabbing chest pains. Pneumococcal bacteria are in many people's noses and throats. Why it suddenly invades the body and causes disease is unknown.

Pneumococcal disease in children: Pneumococcal disease is the main cause of bacterial meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) in young children. It can also cause middle ear infections, pneumonia, and serious blood stream infections. Young children are much more likely than older children and adults to get pneumococcal disease.

Scientific Term:

Pneumococcal Disease

Generic Term:

Pneumococcal Disease

Age Groups at Risk:

All

Fact Sheets:

• Department of Health Fact Sheet
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Fact Sheet

Vaccine Info:

• Pneumococcal Vaccine

Vaccine Information Statements:

• PCV7
• PPV
• Multiple Vaccines

Related Information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Last Update: 05/21/2009 06:18 PM