Pneumococci
Pneumococci are bacteria that can cause both mild and serious infections.
- Milder infections include middle ear infection (otitis media) and sinusitis.
- More serious diseases include pneumonia, meningitis, and blood poisoning (sepsis).
The risk of severe pneumococcal disease increases with age and certain medical conditions. Some groups may therefore benefit from pneumococcal vaccination.
Children under 2 years of age are offered pneumococcal vaccination as part of the Danish childhood immunization programme at 3, 5, and 12 months of age. For further see Childhood vaccination programme.
Vaccination for People at Increased Risk
People at increased risk of severe pneumococcal disease can be vaccinated with a conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (PCV). Conjugate vaccines provide a long-lasting immune response by stimulating the formation of immune memory cells. The following vaccines may be used:
- Prevenar20 (PCV20) or
- Capvaxive (PCV21)
The vaccines protect against the pneumococcal types that most often cause serious illness in adults.
The previously used pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, Pneumovax (PPV23), has been discontinued and is therefore no longer included in the recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination.
Pneumococcal vaccination is paid for by the individual. However, certain risk groups may be eligible for conditional reimbursement. It is your doctor who assesses if you are entitled conditional reimbursement based on the diseases and conditions listed by The Danish Health Authority.
Contact your general practitioner if you think you are at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease.