Pneumococcal Information for Health Professionals
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or meningitis.
The Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria kills more people in the United States each year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined. Treating pneumococcal infections with penicillin and other antibiotics used to be effective, but the disease is becoming more and more resistant to antibiotic treatment, making immunization increasingly important. There are more than 90 known strains of pneumococcal disease, and two different vaccines, often called "pneumonia shots," that help combat pneumococcal disease.
On this page:
Reporting
Vaccine information
Standards and guidelines
Vaccination programs
Reporting
- Reporting Streptococcal Disease
All invasive Streptococcal disease caused by S. pneumoniae must be reported to MDH within one working day.
Vaccine information
- CDC: Pneumococcal Vaccination: Information for Healthcare Professionals
Information from the CDC on the two types of pneumococcal vaccines: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13) and Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23). Includes information on who should get which vaccine, storage and handling, vaccine administration, and more.
- Adult Pneumococcal Vaccination - Pocket Guide (PDF)
A pocket guide to assist health care providers in determining who should receive a pneumococcal vaccination and when.- You can order copies of the Adult Pneumococcal Vaccination pocket guide (3 ¾in x 6 ¾in) for free on the For Professionals - Immunization Materials order form.
- IAC: Pneumococcal Disease (PCV)
Resources and handouts, including Vaccine Information Statements (VISs), from the Immunization Action Coalition for the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13).
- IAC: Pneumococcal Disease (PPSV)
Resources and handouts, including Vaccine Information Statements (VISs), from the Immunization Action Coalition for the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23).
Standards and guidelines
- Pneumococcal ACIP Vaccine Recommendations
Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
- Pneumococcal Disease Publications
CDC compilation of resources and publications on pneumococcal disease.
Vaccination programs
- Adults Only Vaccination: A Step-by-Step Guide
Need help in establishing protocols for vaccinating your adult patients? Need tools to determine which vaccinations they need? Designed to help integrate immunization services into health care settings new to vaccination, this guide and accompanying tools are equally valuable for settings experienced in vaccine delivery.