Fertility advice
Pneumococcal Vaccines
Pneumococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and can result in severe illness, particularly in older adults and people with certain medical conditions.
To help protect against pneumococcal disease, the government funded pneumococcal vaccine is available at Double Bay Doctors.
WHAT IS PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE?
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening complications, especially in:
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Adults aged 70 years and older, who are at higher risk of developing severe illness.
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First Nations adults aged 50 years and older, who are at increased risk of complications.
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Adults with certain medical conditions, including chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and weakened immune systems.
Pneumococcal bacteria are spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. The infection can lead to pneumonia, bloodstream infections (bacteremia or sepsis), and meningitis, which can be life-threatening.
Pneumococcal is also a part of the childhood immunisation schedule.
Symptoms of Pneumococcal disease include:
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Fever and chills
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Cough and shortness of breath
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Chest pain
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Stiff neck and sensitivity to light (in meningitis cases)
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Confusion or altered mental state
PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE ELIGIBILITY
Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against serious infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Different vaccines are available based on age and medical risk factors.
Who is eligible for the government funded pneumococcal vaccine?
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Adults aged 70 years and older are eligible for a free pneumococcal vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
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First Nations adults aged 50 years and older are eligible for free vaccination under the NIP.
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Adults aged 18 years and older with medical risk factors, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems, may be eligible for free vaccination under the NIP.
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Adults aged 18 years and over who are not eligible for free vaccination can still receive Pneumococcal as a private vaccine following consultation with their GP. Please note that Double Bay Doctors does not stock private Pneumococcal vaccines and patients will need to fill their prescription at the pharmacy prior to vaccine administration.
Booster doses and additional vaccinations
Some adults with certain medical conditions require booster doses of the Pneumovax 23 vaccine at recommended intervals to maintain protection against pneumococcal disease.
Your GP can assess your risk factors and determine whether you need additional doses.
Key Information:
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The recommended vaccine and dosing schedule depend on age and individual risk factors.
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Pneumococcal vaccination helps protect against severe infections like pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.
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Some people may experience mild side effects such as redness or swelling at the injection site, fatigue, or mild fever, which usually resolve quickly.
Existing patients
If you are an existing, eligible patient, you can book directly with our nurse to receive the vaccine.
New patients
New patients will need to book a consultation with a GP before the vaccine can be administered.
