There are two vaccines available for pneumococcal disease: PCV13 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine This vaccine provides protection against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria that commonly cause disease in children and adults.
Last update 25 January 2018 Merck licensed a polysaccharide vaccine protecting against 14 types of pneumococcal bacteria in 1977.
Syncope and secondary injuries may be averted if vaccinees sit or lie down during and for 15 minutes after vaccination.
Strains of pneumococcus have now been identified that are highly resistant to most antibiotics.