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Pneumococcal disease is the term used to describe infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus). S. pneumoniae is an encapsulated gram-positive coccus.
Updates to this page
Last updated:
3 November 2026
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Revised to update the history and epidemiology of disease section, the dosage and schedule section, include Down syndrome as a specific clinical risk group, and update tables 3a and 3b for clarity, including vaccines for use
Updated following the MHRA approval of Capvaxive (PCV21) and JCVI advice on people experiencing homelessness.
The previous PDF version of this chapter has been removed following the cessation of the 12-month Hib/MenC vaccine dose from 1 July 2025.
Updated to reflect changes to the childhood immunisation programme from 1 July 2025.
Updated to include new conjugate vaccines, latest IPD incidence data, new section on recommendations for the routine use of pneumococcal vaccines.Updated information for individuals with cochlear implants.
Removed the Pneumococcal: the green book, chapter 25 (for infants born up to and including 31 December 2019).
Added the revised chapter for infants born on or after 1 January 2020.
The risk group section (pg 8) has been rewritten for clarity and pneumococcal vaccine and supplier information updated.
Updated background information and clarification on the immunisation schedule, and advise for children and adults in at risk groups (version 6).
This chapter has been largely rewritten to bring it into line with the latest advice from Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Updated the Body text to include a link to National Archives (chapter update patches) and NHS Choices.