Pneumococcal disease and Vaccinations

Only one in seven people aged over 65 years of age has been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease in Ireland, according to market research. 

That means that over 400,000 people could be at risk of contracting pneumonia, meningitis or septicaemia – all caused by pneumococcal
disease. 

Sadly, over 200 Irish people die every year as a result of pneumococcal disease (4), also known as the pneumo bug. However, there is a free vaccination available for over 65s and those in at-risk groups which could help protect against disease. Find out more about pneumococcal disease and speak to your GP today about how you can protect yourself.

Find Out More about pneumococcal disease visit the One in Seven website >>

Seven Reasons You Should Know Pneumo

1. Pneumococcal disease will be present in Ireland this winter and is likely to cause around 200 deaths (4)
2. Approximately 400,000 Irish people over 65 could be at risk from this bug (2)
3. It spreads by contact, coughing and sneezing (2)
4. It causes serious illness including pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia (3)
5. Vaccines exists which are recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (3)
6. For those over two years this is generally a one-off injection available from GPs and is free of charge to certain at risk groups
7. Six out of seven 65+ year old adults have not received this vaccination