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National Pneumococcal Vaccination Program for Older Australians
Address
South Australian Section, Communicable Disease Control Branch, SA Department of Health, Tel. 822,, Australia
Fax
8226 7197
Email
Website
Postal Address
PO Box 6 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000 Australia
Parent Body
Department of Health
Eligibility
People aged 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15-49 years who have medical risk factors, Further information can be obtained from your GP or Aboriginal health services
Fees
For those eligible the vaccine is free. A consultation fee may be payable if your GP does not bulk bill
Comment
Pneumococcal infection can cause pneumonia often requiring hospitalisation. Other forms of pneumococcal disease are infection around the brain (meningitis) and blood poisoning (septicaemia). Even healthy persons aged 65 or over are at greater risk of contracting the disease., The vaccine will provide more than 95% protection. The recommended schedule for vaccinations is one dose on or near 65 years, then a single booster dose 5 years later. Revaccination within three years is not recommended due to the increased risk of local reactions., Pneumococcal disease can occur any time of the year, although infections seem to be more common during winter and spring
Services
- Immunisation - for further information about pneumococcal vaccination, please contact your GP or local health care centre to make an appointment. A prescription is not necessary for eligible people
