Pneumococcal vaccination program

The goal of the pneumococcal vaccination program is to reduce the annual number of pneumococcal infections.

The vaccination program for adults includes one dose of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine at age 65. Some individuals aged 2 to 64 years at greater risk of serious pneumococcal infection should also get the vaccine.

The vaccination program for children includes three doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, administered at 2, 4 and 12 months of age.

Since the introduction of the pneumococcal immunization program for children in 2004, previously common strains of the bacteria are now rarer in children. The vaccination schedule for children has been adapted over the years, taking into account the types of pneumococcal bacteria circulating in Québec.

To find out more about the vaccines used and the benefits of immunization, go to Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.

Children

Pneumococcal vaccination is free for:

• children aged 2 to 59 months;
• children aged 5 to 17 years with one of the following conditions or illnesses:
  • heart disease;
  • lung disease (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis);
  • asthma requiring regular medical follow-up;
  • kidney disease;
  • diabetes;
  • no spleen or a malfunctioning spleen;
  • liver disease (e.g., hepatitis);
  • weak immune system (e.g., due to cancer).

Adults

Pneumococcal vaccination is free for:

• people aged 65 or over;
• people with one of the following conditions or illnesses:
  • heart disease;
  • lung disease (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis);
  • asthma requiring regular medical follow-up (only people aged 50 and over);
  • kidney disease;
  • diabetes;
  • no spleen or a malfunctioning spleen;
  • liver disease (e.g., hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholism);
  • weak immune system (e.g., due to cancer, HIV infection).

Pneumococcal vaccination is free for people who are eligible.

However, doses not included in the vaccination schedule are not free. Since fees can vary, you can contact the vaccination site of your choice (CLSC, clinic or pharmacy) to find out the cost.

The pneumococcal vaccination program offers no possibility of reimbursement.

The procedure to follow to get vaccinated varies by region.

To find out how to proceed and where to get vaccinated, contact your CLSC, doctor or pharmacist. For their contact information, see the section Finding a resource. You can also call Info-Santé 811 to find the vaccination location nearest you.