Pneumococci

Everyone above 65 years of age will be offered pneumococcal vaccination.

As of 15 June 2020, the offer of free pneumococcal vaccination includes everyone who have turned 65 years old.

Since 22 April 2020, an offer of free pneumococcal vaccination has been in place for nursing home residents and persons with a particularly high risk of IPD e.g. due to chronic illness. We expect that the offer will be extended further in spring 2021, to also include persons below 65 years of age with an increased risk of IPD. See risk groups and vaccination guidelines here.

Pneumococci can cause invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), most importantly blood poisoning (sepsis) and/or meningitis. The presence of pneumococci is also the principal cause (20%) of pneumonia in adults.

To prevent these diseases a 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) can be given. The vaccine prevents pneumonia, blood poisoning and meningitis caused by the comprised 23 pneumococcal types. Vaccination with PPV23 should be offered only to persons who have not received PPV23 vaccination within the past six years.

If you think, you are entitled to get vaccinated, please consult your General Practitioner.

Are you a health professional in need of further information on e.g. how to order and enhanced duty of notification, please see EPI-NEWS 23/2020.