Advice

Pneumococcal disease can be very severe, causing death rates of up to 37% of adults who contract the meningitis form of the disease, up to 20% of those who get blood infection, and up to 7% of those who get pneumococcal pneumonia.

The symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include a high temperature, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Stiff neck, sensitivity to light and disorientation are evidence of meningitis.

The CDC (Centre for Disease Control, USA) advises the following individuals to receive the PPV: Adults (aged 19-64 years) who smoke or have asthma, all adults aged 65 years or older, and persons who have chronic medical conditions.