Pneumococcal disease
What is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococci are bacteria of which there are more than ninety different types. People can carry the bacteria in the nose without becoming ill themselves. An infection with the pneumococcal bacteria can be the cause of various diseases, which in that case are called pneumococcal disease. In young children it often involves ear infection, sinusitis and/or bronchitis. In elderly people over 60, it often involves sudden pneumonia.
In some cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream. This is known as invasive pneumococcal disease from which a person can become seriously ill. In children under 5 years of age, invasive pneumococcal disease can cause blood poisoning or meningitis. Depending on the disease, the symptoms of pneumococcal disease also differ.
How do you get pneumococcal disease?
The bacteria are spread by coughing or sneezing. Children under the age of five, people aged 60 and over and people with reduced immunity are particularly at risk of pneumococcal disease.
Other high-risk groups include those with (functional) asplenia, those with a cochlear implant, those with (traumatic) liquor leakage/fistula and immuno-compromised individuals.
What can you do to prevent pneumococcal disease?
You can be vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. There are different vaccinations that protect against the various types of pneumococci. Depending on your age and health, the recommended vaccine may differ. We will be happy to give you personal advice on this.
What protection does the pneumococcal vaccination offer?
Vaccinatiecentrum.nl offers three different vaccinations against pneumococcal disease. Pneumovax 23 is the vaccine that has also been offered in the Dutch National Vaccination Programme to everyone aged 60 and over since 2020. This vaccine offers five-year protection against 23 types of pneumococcal disease. In addition, we also offer Prevenar13. This vaccine offers lifelong protection against 13 types of pneumococci. Finally, we offer Apexxnar. This vaccine offers lifelong protection against 20 types of pneumococci.
What are the side effects of a pneumococcal vaccination?
The pneumococcal vaccine may cause mild side effects. For example, the injection site may be painful, red or swollen. Mild fever and muscle pain also occur; this usually goes away within two days.
How much will a pneumococcal vaccination cost?
People aged 60 and above have been invited to be vaccinated against pneumococcal disease through the national vaccination programme since 2018. Because not all elderly people can be vaccinated at once, this will be done in stages until 2024. Are you under 60 or don’t want to wait for your invitation? You can also get vaccinated at your own expense. If you have supplementary health insurance, a pneumococcal vaccination may be covered by your health insurance, consult your health insurance company about this.For more information on our prices, please visit our rates page.
Questions or schedule an appointment?
Would you like to make an appointment for the pneumococcal vaccination?