Here’s how it happens.

Pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD are both caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae

Close contact with an infected person can spread pneumococcal pneumonia

The bacteria spread among people through coughing or close contact

When the bacteria reaches your lungs, it causes the air sacs to become inflamed

In pneumococcal pneumonia cases, bacteria reaches the lungs, which can cause some of the air sacs to become inflamed and fill with mucus

Severe cases of pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD could potentially put you in the hospital

There’s no off-season for pneumococcal pneumonia or IPD. Help protect yourself.

Both pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD can strike at any time during the year. Even if you feel healthy, you could still be at risk. In fact, you’re more likely to get pneumococcal pneumonia when you’re in the community going about your regular life than when you’re in a hospital or healthcare setting.

You’re at higher risk
if you’re...

50 or older

even if you’re healthy.

19 or older

with certain chronic conditions.

Unsure about your risk?
Answer a few questions now

True or False?
You can get pneumococcal pneumonia anywhere, anytime.

True False

True
That’s right, you can get pneumococcal pneumonia anywhere, anytime.

That’s because it spreads from person to person through coughing or close contact. You should also know that the symptoms can hit without warning and can even put you in the hospital.

True
The truth is, you can get pneumococcal pneumonia anywhere, anytime.

That’s because it spreads from person to person through coughing or close contact. You should also know that the symptoms can hit without warning and can even put you in the hospital.