Invasive Pneumococcal Disease

Risks

What are the risks for getting invasive pneumococcal disease?

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is most common in the very young (those under age 5 – especially those under age 2) and the elderly (those over age 65).

You may also be at high risk for IPD if you:

• have a cochlear implant
• have a weakened immune system or are immune suppressed
• have chronic organ disease (such as kidney, liver, lung or heart disease)
• have certain other chronic conditions (such as diabetes or asthma)
• have a non-functioning or missing spleen

Your risk for getting IPD can also be impacted by factors that are part of your environment or lifestyle. For example, people who are exposed to cigarette smoking or who are homeless are more at risk of getting IPD.