Pneumococcal disease
What is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the Streptococcus pneumonia bacterium. There are over 90 different strains (serotypes). Many of these strains live in the respiratory passages of humans and cause no ill health. Only a small number of strains are responsible for most cases of invasive disease (infection) in people.
Types of pneumococcal infections
Infection commonly occurs in the:
- lungs
- middle ear
- sinuses
- blood stream
- meninges – lining of the brain and spinal cord.
How does the infection spread?
Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria are spread through air-borne droplets of mucus or saliva by:
- coughing
- sneezing
- touching contaminated surfaces.
People who are at increased risk of getting pneumococcal disease
The highest burden of pneumococcal disease occurs among infants, Aboriginal people, older adults and people with certain risk conditions including:
- people with:
- weakend immune systems
- existing chronic diseases such as cancer, lung or kidney disease
- impaired spleen function or having no spleen
- those exposed to cigarette smoke
- people with excessive alcohol consumption
- childcare attendance
- household crowding.
Signs and symptoms
Pneumococcal disease can cause a range of health conditions. Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection and age.
Symptoms of pneumococcal infections include:
- respiratory symptoms – cough, chills and shaking
- difficulty breathing
- ear pain or discharge from the ear
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
- headaches
- chest pain – breathing in and out
- shortness of breath
- blood-stained sputum (spittle/mucus)
- light sensitivity
- poor appetite
- confusion
- irritability
- drowsiness
- skin rash.
Diagnosis of pneumococcal disease
Testing for Streptococcus pneumonia needs to be specific as other bacteria can cause comparable infections.
Pneumococcal disease is diagnosed using a variety of tests depending on your symptoms.
Tests include:
- physical examination
- blood, urine, and sputum tests
- chest x-ray
- lumbar puncture test.
Treatment of pneumococcal disease
Treatment includes:
- antibiotics
- pain relief
- drinking more fluids
- rest
- admission to hospital for acute cases.
How can pneumococcal disease be prevented?
Vaccines are available to help protect children and adults against the most common strains of the Streptococcus pneumoniae.
The pneumococcal vaccines funded under the National Immunisation Program are 20vPCV for children (i.e. aged less than 18 years) and 21vPCV for adults.
Please see the WA Immunisation Schedule
Pneumococcal vaccines are available from immunisation providers including:
- General Practice (GPs)
- pharmacies (for children 5 and older)
- community health clinics
- Aboriginal Medical Services.
Some immunisation providers may charge a consultation fee for administering the vaccine. You should check if there are any costs when making an appointment with your chosen immunisation provider.
Where to get help
Remember
- The bacterium Streptococcus pneumonia isspread through coughing sneezing, saliva and mucus.
- Pneumococcal infections are vaccine preventable.
- Children and people with weak immune systems and chronic diseases are the most vulnerable.
- The disease can be life-threatening.
Last reviewed: 06-07-2026
Acknowledgements
Public Health
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.