Over a half a million people aged 65 and older in Ireland are at risk of developing pneumococcal disease, a serious illness that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia.

Pneumococcal disease is caused by a common bacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can attack different parts of the body. If the bacteria infect the lungs, they can cause pneumonia. When they invade the blood stream, they can cause septicaemia and when they invade the brain, they can cause meningitis.

Among those who get pneumococcal disease, one in four will develop meningitis, one in four will develop pneumonia and one in 10 will die.

Like the common cold, pneumococcal disease is spread by close contact, coughing and sneezing.However, despite the fact that there is a pneumococcal vaccine available, 84% of people over the age of 65 - that is over 510,000 people - have not been vaccinated.

Four organisations have come together to highlight this illness and urge people to get to ‘Know Pneummo'. Diabetes Ireland, Age Action, the Asthma Society of Ireland and Croi are calling on all of those at risk to protect themselves.

Aside from people over the age of 65, those considered at risk include people with chronic health problems, such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease, and children under the age of five.

"It is disappointing that there are more than half a million 65-year-olds and over in Ireland who have not been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. We know the introduction of a nationwide vaccination programme for pneumo almost a decade ago has resulted in a 90% fall in cases. It is important to maintain that success rate and continue to protect at-risk groups," commented Galway-based GP, Dr Andrew Murphy.

According to Dr Anna Clarke of Diabetes Ireland, while most people are aware of meningitis, pneumonia and septicaemia, many are unaware that pneumococcal disease is one of the causes of these serious illnesses.

Furthermore, according to Croi CEO, Neil Johnson, the winter months are a ‘prime time for those with weakened immune systems'.

Meanwhile, Asthma Society CEO, Averil Power, emphasised that ‘prevention is better than cure and the first step towards prevention is awareness'.

"The pneumo bug is spread like the common cold, through coughing, sneezing and by close contact, and like the common cold, it can be hard to avoid. The Asthma Society of Ireland encourages people to ‘Know Pneumo' and if you think you are at risk, talk to your healthcare professional," she commented.

For more information on pneumococcal disease and this awareness campaign, click here

*Pictured is ‘Know Pneumo' ambassador and broadcaster, Marty Whelan