Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) is strongly recommending that adults make sure they are up to date with their pneumococcal vaccine, especially individuals who are 50 years of age and older and are eligible for the vaccine.
Cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) have trended upwards in the TBDHU area in recent years. In 2025, fifty-five percent (55%) of cases occurred in individuals 50 years of age and older. Not having had the vaccine and having a chronic disease or underlying medical condition are the top risk factors. Over two thirds of all cases (68%) have been hospitalized, with some requiring ICU admission.
The pneumococcal vaccine, which is commonly referred to as the “pneumonia shot”, is usually given once to adults. Some individuals are also eligible for a second dose. Under Ontario’s publicly funded immunization schedule, the current eligibility criteria are as follows:
- All individuals 65 years of age, if they have not already had the vaccine.
- Individuals of any age with chronic disease, including heart disease, lung disease, kidney or liver disease or who have certain medical conditions, are also eligible for a dose of the vaccine. This includes anyone who may have a weakened immune system or who is immunocompromised.
- Individuals who are 65 years or older who also have a chronic disease or an underlying medical condition are eligible to receive a second dose, if it has been at least one year since their first dose.
Individuals can receive the vaccine through their primary care provider. TBDHU is also providing the vaccine through the routine immunization clinic at the main office in Thunder Bay. Appointments can be booked by visiting TBDHU.com/vaxclinics. Pharmacies are not providing this vaccine at this time.
IPD is a serious and preventable infection that is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. IPD can occur when the bacterium enters a normally sterile part of the body like the bloodstream or the central nervous system. This can lead to severe conditions such as pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis and even death.
TBDHU receives reports and monitors case numbers and rates of IPD in the TBDHU area. Overall numbers of cases of IPD were low during the pandemic, with the numbers increasing in the TBDHU area in 2023 with 63 cases, 77 cases in 2024, and 95 cases so far in 2025.
Infants and young children are also a risk group for IPD; however, there has not been an increase of IPD cases in this age group in the TBDHU area. Regardless, parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to ensure their children are up to date with the routine infant and childhood vaccines, as these do provide protection against pneumococcal disease.
More detailed information about IPD and the pneumococcal vaccine can be found here.