Pneumococcal Disease, Invasive

Pneumococcal disease:

• Caused by bacteria: Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus Pneumoniae that are commonly found in the nose and throat of healthy adults and children but do not cause infections most of the time. 
  • However, the bacteria can get into unusual places such as the ear, sinuses, lungs, brain or the bloodstream. 
• Invasive disease: When the bacteria invades invade certain areas of the body (the lungs, brain or bloostream) the infection is called invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), otherwise known as “Strep Pneumo” 
  • IPD can then develop into pneumonia (lung), meningitis (brain) or bacteremia (blood) and cause long term health issues such as brain damage, hearing loss, limb loss, or even death. 
• How it spreads: The bacteria are spread through droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing, the saliva (spit) of an infected person (kissing, sharing drinks or cigarettes) or touching objects that were exposed to the bacteria (shared cups, toys) and then rubbing the eyes, nose or mouth.

Increase in local cases:

• Cases increasing since 2023: During the pandemic the rates of invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) were low, but started to increase in 2023; 63 cases in 2023, 77 cases in 2024 and 95 cases in 2025. 
• Higher than provincial average: The 2026 rate is 5 times higher than the provincial average.

Who is at risk and eligible for vaccine protection against IPD:

• Higher risk groups: Anyone can get invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), but adults 65 years or older, people with certain medical conditions or other risk factors, and children under 2 years old are at the highest risk.
• FREE vaccine: FREE vaccine protection is recommended for these higher risk groups.

65 years and older

• 65 years and older: All those 65 years and older are eligible for a FREE pneumococcal vaccine if they have not already had the vaccine.

Those 18-64 years with specific medical conditions:

• Medical conditions: Those between 18 and 64 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 weakened immune system or is immunocompromised. 
• See the full list below under "Specific medical conditions and other criteria".

Specific medical conditions and other criteria

 

Those with the following medical and non-medical conditions are eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine:

• Chronic illnesses: heart and lung (not asthma), diabetes, liver, kidney, HIV
• Immunocompromised OR on immunosuppressive treatment or therapy 
• Malignant neoplasms, including leukemia and lymphoma
• Sickle-cell disease 
• Transplant recipients; Solid organ, islet cell or hematopoietic stem cell 
• Cochlear implant recipients (pre/post implant)
• Chronic cerebral spinal fluid leak
• Chronic neurologic conditions that may impair clearing of oral secretions

Talk to your health care provider or call TBDHU at 807-625-5900 (toll free 1-888-294-6630; nearest branch office) with any questions about eligibility.

 

Others that are eligible for the vaccine include those who live in a northern or Indigenous community and:

• Are experiencing homeless and are without stable housing (e.g. couch surfing)
• Use drugs regularly including alcohol, cocaine or injection drugs

 

Infants and young children

• Between 2 and 12 months: Pneumococcal vaccine protection is available to infants and children in the routine vaccines given between 2 and 12 months

Questions about eligibility

• Talk to your health care provider or call TBDHU at 807-625-5900 (toll free 1-888-294-6630; nearest branch office) with any questions about eligibility.

Getting vaccinated:

Those who are at higher risk and unsure if they are completely protected are recommended to make an appointment to get vaccine.

• Available  year round: Unlike other respiratory illness vaccines (e.g. flu shot), this vaccine is available year round.
• How to get vaccinated:
  • Health Care Provider: Talk to your health care provider
  • TBDHU: Book an appointment in a TBDHU clinic - visit TBDHU.com/vaxclinics and make an appointment at a TBDHU clinic.
  • Pharmacies: At this time, the vaccine is only available for pay at pharmacies for those who are eligible (as listed above) a prescription from a health care provider is required. 
    • This is expected to change in the next year and this page will be updated once it is available. 

More information:

• General Fact Sheet: See this fact sheet from the Ontario Ministry of Health (PDF) for those 6 weeks and older 
• Parent fact sheet: See the fact sheet from Ontario’s Well Child Tool Kit  (PDF).
• Caring for Kids website: Visit the Canadian Paediatric Society’s website for families for more information on pneumococcal infections.

Questions?

• Disease questions: Call the Infectious Disease (ID) Program at 807-625-8318 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630.
• Vaccine questions: Call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) Program at 807- 625-5908 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630.
   

This page provides basic information only. It must not take the place of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to a health care professional about any health concerns

For Further Information

Call the Infectious Disease Program: (807) 625-5900

or toll-free 1-888-294-6630