Pneumococcal disease is a very serious disease. It is a major cause of illness and death, particularly amongst the very young. Those with the following conditions should be vaccinated with Pneumococcal vaccine:

• Everybody aged 65 years and over
• Everybody aged 2 years and over with:
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic lung, heart, liver, or kidney disease
  • Chronic neurological disease
  • Coeliac disease
  • Down Syndrome
  • Cochlear implants or are about to get cochlear implants
  • Immune deficiency because of a disease or treatment, including cancer patients
  • HIV infection
  • Absent spleen or a non-functioning spleen
  • Intracranial shunt

Pneumococcal vaccine is not recommended for healthy children and adults as they are at low risk of pneumococcal disease.

One Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for anyone aged 65 years or older.

A once only booster vaccination is recommended 5 years after the first vaccination for those who received a previous dose at less than 65 years of age.