When is a pneumococcal vaccine recommended?

Vaccines against flu and corona are now well known. But for some people, a pneumococcal vaccine may also be helpful.

In adults, vaccination is recommended if there is an increased risk of pneumococcal infections. These are people without a spleen or with immune depression, with a hemoglobin disorder, with cerebrospinal fluid leakage or with a cochlear implant. Vaccination can also be considered at lower risk, such as chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney problems, alcoholics, smokers and all adults aged 65 and over.

In children, vaccination is recommended if there is an increased risk, e.g. in children without a spleen or with chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, with a cochlear implant or with immune depression.

In adults eligible for vaccination, double vaccination with PCV13 and PPV23 is recommended. In children, vaccination against pneumococcal infections is included in the basic vaccination schedule.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025