Pneumococcal vaccination

This fall, several groups will receive an invitation for pneumococcal vaccination:

• People born in 1965. These are people who will turn 60 this year.

• People born in 1947 or earlier. These are people who are 78 years old or older in that year.

  
  

Are you between 61 and 77 years old? Then you've already had the opportunity to get vaccinated in recent years. The pneumococcal vaccine protects you for five years. After that, you have the option to get vaccinated again.

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against diseases caused by pneumococcus. People aged 60 and older (born in 1965) and those aged 78 and older (born in 1947 and earlier) will receive an invitation from their family doctor or doctor on call for a free vaccination starting this fall. The vaccination is long-lasting and can prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and death.

What are pneumococci?

Pneumococci are bacteria that many people unknowingly carry. Often, they go unnoticed. However, they sometimes trigger illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis. Pneumonia, in particular, can be a long-lasting affliction: fatigue, shortness of breath, and listlessness are common symptoms. Not all pneumonia is caused by pneumococci.