A reminder that at this time of year pneumococcal disease, like influenza, is a leading cause of life-threatening illnesses in Australia – particularly among children under two years of age and elderly people.
A single dose of 23vPPV is recommended for adults at 65 years of age. For those aged 65 years and over who did not receive a dose at 65 years of age, a single catch-up dose of 23vPPV should be offered as soon as possible.
The pneumococcal vaccine is available free under the National Immunise Australia Program for:
For more information, please see Immunise Australia.