Pneumococcal disease: Spread, prevention and risks

On this page

• How pneumococcal disease spreads
• Preventing pneumococcal disease
• Who is most at risk

How pneumococcal disease spreads

Pneumococcal disease can spread from person to person. You can become infected when:

• you breathe infectious particles in
• infectious secretions (like mucus or saliva) come into direct contact with your eyes, nose or mouth
• you touch a contaminated surface or object and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands

Pneumococcal bacteria are very common. Many healthy children and adults carry pneumococcal bacteria in their nose and throat without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the bacteria to others.

Pneumococcal infections can occur as a complication following a viral infection like seasonal flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Learn more:

• Flu (seasonal influenza)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Symptoms of pneumococcal disease
• How respiratory infectious diseases spread

Preventing pneumococcal disease

Vaccination

The most effective way to prevent pneumococcal disease is by getting vaccinated. Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for:

• children
• older adults
• people at higher risk of pneumococcal disease

The specific vaccine you receive and when you receive it may depend on which province or territory you live in. Talk to a health care provider or visit your province or territory's website to learn more about pneumococcal vaccination.

In addition, those who are eligible should get their seasonal flu vaccine and RSV vaccine as recommended. By reducing your risk of getting the flu and RSV, you can reduce your risk of getting secondary pneumonia caused by the pneumococcal bacteria.

Learn more:

• Preventing RSV with vaccination
• Flu (seasonal influenza): Get your flu vaccine
• Vaccines for children: Childhood vaccination schedule
• Vaccines for children: What to expect at the vaccination appointment

Safety of pneumococcal vaccines

The safety of pneumococcal vaccines in Canada is well established, with side effects that are generally mild. These side effects come from the body's immune response, as the body is working to build protection against the disease.

After vaccination in general, it's common to have temporary side effects at the site where the vaccine was given, including:

• swelling
• soreness
• redness

Occasionally, a mild fever can occur. These reactions are normal and usually go away within a few days. Children may also be fussier than usual after vaccination.

You can take medication if needed for pain or fever. Check with your health care provider if you have any concerns or need advice about how to manage them.

In rare cases, someone may have a serious reaction to a vaccine, including an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction typically happen soon after vaccination and can include:

• breathing problems (wheezing)
• swelling of the face, tongue or throat
• red rash on the skin (hives)

If you suspect you or your child might be having a serious reaction after a vaccination, seek medical care right away. Serious reactions following vaccination will be reported to your local public health unit or office. Tell a health care provider about any serious reactions you've experienced before you receive future vaccinations.

Learn more:

• Vaccine safety and possible side effects

Personal protective measures

In addition to vaccination, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infectious diseases by practising personal protective measures.

Respiratory infectious diseases: Reduce your risk with personal protective measures

Who is most at risk

Pneumococcal disease is most common in children under 5 years of age and adults over 65 years of age.

You are also at high risk for pneumococcal disease and invasive pneumococcal disease if you have certain medical conditions or risk factors. This includes:

• chronic diseases, such as:
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • lung disease
  • neurologic disease that makes it harder to cough, swallow or clear fluids from the mouth or airways
  • heart disease
  • diabetes, especially if you're over 50 years of age
  • asthma that needs medical care
• having no spleen or a condition that impacts how your spleen works
• a weakened or suppressed immune system from:
  • a medical condition
  • certain treatments or medications
• fluid around the brain or spinal cord (chronic cerebrospinal fluid leak)
• having a cochlear implant or if you'll be receiving one

You may also be at higher risk for getting invasive pneumococcal disease if you:

• are unhoused
• live in a community or setting with high rates of pneumococcal disease, including a:
  • long-term care home
  • residential care home for children with complex medical needs
• smoke cigarettes, particularly if you're over 50 years of age
• have a substance use disorder (for instance, alcohol misuse, cocaine use and injection drug use)
• have long-term, continuous exposure to metal fumes (for instance, if you're a welder)

Talk to a health care provider if you think you're at higher risk of pneumococcal disease.

Learn more:

• Complications of pneumococcal disease