Invasive Pneumococcal Disease

Prevention

How can invasive pneumococcal disease be prevented?

The most important way to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is to make sure you and your children are vaccinated.

There are different pneumococcal vaccines available and recommended in Canada depending on age and risk factors. All types of the pneumococcal vaccine are given by needle and are very safe. Like all vaccines authorized for use in Canada, they went through several stages of rigorous testing before being authorized for use.

Are you travelling to a higher risk area? Visit your health care provider at least six weeks before you leave to discuss your options. You may need a vaccine booster shot.

It is also important to consider the seasonal influenza vaccine every year, especially if you are in a high risk group. Your risk of pneumococcal infection increases if you get the flu.