Pneumococcal disease

Respiratory illness season arrives every fall in Manitoba and lasts through the winter. This includes pneumococcal disease. Vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from getting sick or experiencing serious complications from pneumococcal disease.

What is pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease is an illness that is caused by the pneumococcal bacteria. Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but it is most common in the very young, very old, and in people living with certain medical conditions. Pneumococcal diseases include pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (bloodstream infection) and meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Those who survive meningitis may suffer from permanent brain damage and hearing loss.

What is the pneumococcal vaccine? 

The Pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal disease caused by the pneumococcal bacteria. There are more than 100 known types of pneumococcal bacteria. There are two types, a Pneu-C-15 vaccine that protects against 15 types that cause most pneumococcal infections and Pneu-C-20 for those at higher risk and ages 65 and older.

Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine?

All children under 5 years of age should get the Pneu-C-15 vaccine provided free of charge. Manitoba’s routine childhood immunization schedule calls for three doses at 2, 4 and 12 months of age. 

📑 See the Public Health Fact Sheet on the Pneu-C-15 Vaccine.

All adults age 65 and older should get a Pneu-C-20 vaccine, provided free of charge according to the eligibility criteria for publicly-funded vaccines. This is a one-dose vaccine that most people only need one time. Talk to your doctor about what type of pneumococcal vaccine is appropriate for your circumstances. 

📑 See the Public Health Fact Sheet on the Pneu-C-20 Vaccine.

Side effects

Some individuals experience mild side effects after receiving this vaccine. This includes soreness, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given. Sometimes people can feel tired, have a headache, lose their appetite or develop a low grade fever. These side effects generally last a day or two. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can be given for fever or soreness. Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®) should NEVER be given to children because it can cause a severe liver and brain disease called Reye’s Syndrome.

In very rare circumstances, a severe allergic reaction can occur, including hives, heavy breathing, or swelling of the throat or face. This is why individuals are asked to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving a vaccine, so they can be monitored for a serious allergic reaction.

Where can I get vaccinated?

Seasonal vaccines are available across Manitoba for eligible Manitobans at no cost.

Here’s how to find your seasonal vaccines:

1. Call your family doctor’s office to check availability.

2. Check with nearby doctor’s offices or walk-in clinics for availability.

3. You can also see locations on this provincial vaccine finder map.

Learn more

Vaccine-Preventable Respiratory Illnesses | Province of Manitoba

Routine Immunization Schedules | Province of Manitoba