Pneumococcal Disease, Invasive

Pneumococcal disease:

• Caused by bacteria: Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus Pneumoniae that are commonly found in the nose and throat of healthy adults and children but do not cause infections most of the time. 
  • However, the bacteria can get into unusual places such as the ear, sinuses, lungs, brain or the bloodstream. 
• Invasive disease: When the bacteria invades the lungs, brain or bloostream it is called “invasive” pneumococcal disease, otherwise known as “Strep Pneumo” 
  • This can then develop into pneumonia (lung), meningitis (brain) or bacteremia (blood) and cause long term health issues such as brain damage, hearing loss, limb loss, or even death. 
• How it spreads: The bacteria are spread through droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing, the saliva (spit) of an infected person (kissing, sharing drinks or cigarettes) or touching objects that were exposed to the bacteria (shared cups, toys) and then rubbing the eyes, nose or mouth.

Vaccine information:

• Age groups at higher risk: Anyone can get pneumococcal disease but there are certain groups who are at higher risk and FREE vaccine protection is recommended:
  • Children: one dose at 2 months, 4 months and 12 months 
  • Adults aged 65 years and older: one lifetime dose
• Medical and non-medication conditions: Certain medical and non-medical conditions further increase the risk and a vaccine is also available to those with these conditions. Review the list below.
  • Questions about eligibility: Talk to your health care provider or call TBDHU at 807-625-5900 (toll free 1-888-294-6630; nearest branch office) with any questions about eligibility.

Getting vaccinated:

• As soon as possible: Those who are at higher risk and unsure if they are completely protected should make an appointment as soon as possible:
  • Provider: Talk to your health care provider or 
  • TBDHU: Book an appointment in a TBDHU clinic - visit TBDHU.com/vaxclinics and make an appointment at a TBDHU clinic

More information:

• Parent fact sheet: See the fact sheet from Ontario’s Well Child Tool Kit (PDF).
• 6 months and older fact sheet: See the fact sheet from the Ontario Ministry of Health (PDF).
• Caring for Kids website: Visit the Canadian Paediatric Society’s website for families for more information on pneumococcal infections.

Questions?

• Disease questions: Call the Infectious Disease (ID) Program at 807-625-8318 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630.
• Vaccine questions: Call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) Program at 807- 625-5908 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630.
   

This page provides basic information only. It must not take the place of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to a health care professional about any health concerns

For Further Information

Call the Infectious Disease Program: (807) 625-5900

or toll-free 1-888-294-6630