Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, often referred to as pneumococcus. It can cause infections of the ears and the sinuses. Pneumococcus can lead to more serious infections of the lungs (pneumonia), blood (sepsis) and brain (meningitis), these infections are known as Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD). The best prevention for these infections is vaccination, especially if you have a high risk medical condition. 

The best time to get the vaccine (Prevnar 20) is as soon as you develop a high-risk medical condition or when you turn 65. It is usually administered once in your lifetime. 

Prevnar 20 is designed to protect against pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease. Prevnar 20 is publicly funded (free) for adults ages 65+ (for those who have not received Pneumovax), or earlier for those at higher risk of developing pneumococcal disease.

For those who have received Pneumovax, Prevnar®20 (PCV20) is available through private pay with a prescription on an individual basis. 

NACI recommends that a single dose of Prevnar^®20: Should be offered to adults 65 years of age and over who have received Pneumovax^®23 alone or both Prevnar^®13 and Pneumovax^®23, if it has been at least 5 years since the last dose of a pneumococcal vaccine.