Pneumococci

Infection with pneumococci can be serious, as it can cause both pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) such as meningitis and blood poisoning (sepsis). In addition, pneumococci can cause less serious diseases such as otitis media and sinusitis. Different risk groups are at higher risk of invasive pneumococcal disease.

There are several different vaccines to protect against serious illness due to pneumococcal infection. Recommendations for vaccination against pneumococcal disease depend on the underlying condition or disease of the recipient.

Previously, there has been an offer of free pneumococcal vaccination in place for people above 65 years of age. Since January 15 2023, free vaccination against pneumococcal disease is no longer offered.

The conjugated pneumococcal vaccines PCV13 and PCV20, as well as the polysaccharide vaccine PPV23, are instead offered with conditional reimbursement to a limited group of people at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease. 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.