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, which means that some groups may 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 higher risk of severe pneumococcal disease can be vaccinated with one of the following vaccines, that protect against the pneumococcal types that most often cause serious illness in adults.:
- A conjugate pneumococcal vaccine – Prevenar20 (PCV20) or Capvaxive (PCV21)
OR - A polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine – Pneumovax (PPV23)
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.