Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can lead to pneumonia, bacteremia (infection of the blood), middle ear infections, or bacterial meningitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae is spread through contact with a person who has pneumococcal disease or who carries the bacteria in his or her throat. This most often occurs through respiratory droplets from the nose or mouth of someone with the infection.

Pneumococcal vaccination should be considered by people in the following groups:

• Adults 65 years of age and older.
• Persons > 2 years of age with chronic heart or lung disorders including congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, alcoholism, spinal fluid leaks, cardiomyopathy, chronic bronchitis or emphysema (COPD) or emphysema.