The pneumococcal bacteria can cause many diseases such as lung infections, meningitis (brain infection) and blood infections.

The Pneumococcal Vaccine is given to those who are 65 years and older. It is also strongly recommended for those individuals who have a chronic cardiovascular or respiratory ailment.

There are now two Pneumococcal vaccinations that are advised. Each of the vaccinations protects you from different serotypes of the Pneumococcal bacteria. The Pneumovax vaccine is available free of charge to all adults who meet criteria for coverage. There is also a new vaccine called Prevnar. This vaccination, covers an individual for different serotypes of the Pneumococcal bacteria than the Pneumovax vaccine.  Although the  Pneumovax vaccine is strongly recommended by the recent Canadian vaccine guidelines, it is not funded by the Ontario government. It is available for $115.