Pneumococcal Vaccine

Description

Pneumococcus is a bacterium found in the respiratory tract. Many people carry it in their nose or throat without being ill. However, pneumococcus can sometimes cause infections, such as pneumonia.

There are several types of pneumococci. Around forty of them can cause infections in humans. These are referred to as “pneumococcal infections.”

Pneumococcal infections are common in Quebec. They occur year-round, but especially during winter and spring. Each year, severe pneumococcal infections lead to between 3,000 and 6,000 hospitalizations and several deaths.