Vulnerable Patient Groups

Some conditions increase a person's risk for pneumococcal disease¹

As per the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) guidelines, the below conditions are associated with an increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease.¹

High risk¹

• ^{Asplenia, hypo}splenia (including splenectomy, sickle cell disease, haemoglobinopathies, and coeliac disease)
• Cancer patients under hospital supervision
• Chronic renal disease or nephrotic syndrome
• Cochlear implant candidates and recipients
• Complement deficiency (particularly C1-C4)
• CSF leaks (congenital or complicating skull fracture or neurosurgery)
• Haematopoietic stem-cell transplant
• Immunosuppressive conditions (e.g. some B- and T-cell disorders, HIV infection, leukaemia, lymphoma), and those receiving immunosuppressive therapies or corticosteroids.
• Intracranial shunt
• Solid organ transplant

Medium risk¹

• Children under 5 years of age following invasive pneumococcal disease
• Chronic heart, lung, or liver disease
• Diabetes mellitus requiring insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drugs
• Down syndrome
• Occupational exposure to metal fumes (i.e. welders)
• Smokers and alcoholics

Reference

1. NIAC Guidelines Chapter 16: Pneumococcal Infection