A vaccine is available for pneumococcal pneumonia, a bacterial infection that accounts for as much as a quarter of all pneumonias. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by infection. Bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is of particular concern to people older than 65, or those who suffer from chronic illness or impaired immune systems, however, it can also occur in young, healthy people.

Pneumonia can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Pneumonia is often a complication of another condition, such as the flu. Antibiotics can treat most common forms of bacterial pneumonias, however, antibiotic-resistant strains are becoming increasingly problematic. The best approach is prevention. Pneumococcal vaccination is a method for preventing pneumonia caused by the Pneumococcus bacterium.