Pneumococcal vaccination

What are pneumococci?

The term pneumococcus refers to bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae) that are transmitted primarily in the case of a flu-like infection through droplet infection, i.e. usually by coughing or sneezing. Depending on the region of the world and depending on age, different pneumococcal strains are responsible for different diseases, some of which are life-threatening. For example, they cause the majority of all bacterial pneumonia infections. Other serious illnesses such as sinusitis, middle ear and meninges as well as blood poisoning are also caused by pneumococci.

Infants and young children in particular are at risk because their immune system alone is not yet able to ward off a pneumococcal infection. But even if you have a chronic illness or your immune system is weakened by a severe cold, for example, this promotes a pneumococcal infection. The risk of infection is therefore particularly high during the cold season.

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When is pneumococcal vaccination useful?

The Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends vaccination against pneumococcus to all adults over the age of 60 years.

A general refresher is currently not recommended, but may be useful based on an individual risk profile and must therefore be assessed by a doctor.

In addition, vaccination against pneumococcus is recommended for all people with an increased health risk due to certain pre-existing conditions or at occupational risk.

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How is pneumococcal vaccination carried out and what must be considered?

The pneumococcal vaccine is a dead vaccine. There are different vaccines on the market, which are used depending on the indications. People over 60 years of age should use a pneumococcal vaccine that protects against 23 different types of pneumococcus (PPSV23).

The vaccination is done in your upper arm muscle. Stimulating the body's own immune system often causes redness or swelling at the injection site, which can also hurt. General symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain may also occur in the first three days after vaccination. Such vaccination reactions usually subside after one to three days.

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What should I do?

To check whether you have vaccination protection, simply arrange a Vaccination status check appointment in one of our avi practices and talk to our team of doctors.

The team will tell you whether you are already protected or whether you should receive a vaccination. The doctors will also check whether there are any other vaccinations that would be useful for you and will carry them out directly if necessary.