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Pneumococcal [noo-muh-KOK-uhl] disease is caused by a bacterium known as Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus. Pneumococcal infections can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Children younger than 2 years old are among those most at risk for disease. There are vaccines to prevent pneumococcal disease in children and adults.
NEW! Adults 65 years or older are now recommended 2 pneumococcal vaccines. Learn more.
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About Pneumococcal Disease
Symptoms, complications, treatment, prevention… -
For Clinicians
Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention... -
For Laboratorians
CDC’s Streptococcus Lab (“StrepLab”) provides pneumococcal serotyping and the antimicrobial susceptibility testing… -
Drug Resistance
Streptococcus pneumoniae has become resistant to some antibiotics… -
Surveillance and Reporting
Rates of pneumococcal disease before and after vaccine introduction… -
Global Pneumococcal Disease and Vaccine
Burden of pneumococcal disease around the world and progress on vaccine introduction... -
Resources
Audio/video products, digital materials, publications, print materials, programs…
Pneumococcal Vaccination
- Pneumococcal Vaccines
Pneumococcal vaccines are very good at preventing severe disease and hospitalization. - Vaccine Information Statements
These one-page CDC vaccine information statements explain who should get pneumococcal vaccines and when. - Pneumococcal Vaccine Basics
Get comprehensive information about pneumococcal vaccines and other educational tools. - Vaccine Safety
As with all vaccines, there can be minor reactions, including pain and redness at the injection site, headache, fatigue or discomfort, after pneumococcal vaccination. - Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations
View recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Risks and How It Spreads
- Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but some people are at greater risk for disease than others.
- Pneumococcal bacteria spread from person-to-person by direct contact with respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus.
Signs and Symptoms
There are many types of pneumococcal disease. Symptoms and complications depend on the part of the body that is infected…
- Page last reviewed: June 10, 2015
- Page last updated: June 10, 2015
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