Vaccine

There are vaccines that protect against pneumococcal disease:

• Pneumococcal conjugate 15 (PNEU-C15) is part of Alberta’s routine immunization schedule for children who are not at high risk for serious disease.
• Pneumococcal conjugate 20 (PNEU-C20) is recommended for anyone age 2 months and older who is at a higher risk for serious disease. This includes people who:
• have heart, lung, kidney, or liver problems
• have diabetes
• have a weak immune system
• are age 65 years or older (see below)
• are Indigenous
• live in a care facility, like a continuing care home
• experience homelessness
• smoke or vape
• live in a home with poor indoor air quality, like if you use a wood-burning stove or live with someone who smokes inside the home
• have an alcohol or substance use problem

Learn about Alberta’s routine immunization schedule and ask your healthcare provider what pneumococcal vaccines you or your child should have.

Adults age 65 and older

Some diseases that vaccines can prevent, including pneumococcal disease, are more common in older adults. This is, because your immune system may not respond as well as you age.

If you are age 65 years or older, you are also at greater risk for pneumococcal disease and of getting very sick from it.

Learn more about recommended vaccines for adults.