Learn more
about Pneumo
WHAT IS PNEUMO?
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria called
Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria usually reside in the
upper respiratory tract in people worldwide.1
Did you know?
people in Ireland were diagnosed with
Invasive Pneumo Disease (IPD) in 2023.2
IPD is a very serious illness.
Of those who develop an invasive infection:3
1 in 4
will get pneumonia.
1 in 4
will get meningitis.
1 in 10
will die.
DID YOU KNOW?:
56% of Irish people
aren’t aware that
pneumo is vaccine
preventable.5
Only 3% of Irish people
have sufficient
knowledge of pneumo.5
Only 11% of
Irish people know
how pneumo is
transmitted.5
HOW DO YOU GET PNEUMO?
The bacteria are airborne, meaning they spread through
the air via droplets, when someone coughs, sneezes, or
any method of close contact.1,3
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
When pneumo bacteria spreads from the nose and throat to
ears or sinuses, it generally causes mild infections. When it
spreads into other parts of the body, it can lead to severe
health problems like pneumonia and meningitis.3
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Visit our frequently asked questions
Or speak to your doctor, practice nurse or
pharmacist about pneumococcal vaccination.
1. HSE Pneumococcal Disease – Vaccine (Accessed September 2024)
2. HPSC-Infectious Disease Notifications in Ireland 2019-2023 (Accessed September 2024)
3. HSE Pneumococcal Disease – Disease & Vaccine (Accessed September 2024)
4. Kyaw MH, et. al. J Infect Dis. 2005 Aug 1;192(3):377-86
5. B&A Research (MSD Data on File 2023. The research was commissioned by MSD Ireland and carried out by Behaviour and Attitudes on a sample population of 1,458 adults in Ireland.)
6. HSE Pneumococcal Disease – Vaccine for people at risk (Accessed September 2024)
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