A new pneumococcal vaccine for adults will be added to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to cover more strains of the disease. The vaccine is now available at Salisbury Medical Centre. Speak to your GP to arrange your vaccination.

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, also known as pneumococcus. It is especially serious for children and older people and is most common in winter and spring.

Adults 65 years and over will be able to access the pneumococcal vaccine. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults that are 25 years and over will be eligible. People with conditions including COPD, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and chronic liver disease will also now be eligible for free  pneumococcal vaccines. 

A single dose of pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for adults aged 65 years and over. All children are recommended to get a dose of pneumococcal vaccine at 2, 4 and 12 months of age.