Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that affects the lungs, and can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal agents [1]. Signs of pneumonia include fever, cough, rapid or difficulty breathing, chest pain and fatigue [2]. Smoking, as well as environmental factors such as crowded housing and indoor air pollution increase the risk of developing pneumonia [1].

Pneumonia is a major cause of illness and mortality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people [3]. It particularly impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and older people, who are hospitalised at high rates.

In addition to good hygiene and smoke free environments, vaccination is a key strategy in the prevention of pneumonia [2]. Under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination is freely available to:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under the age of 50 with a medical condition putting them at higher risk of illness
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over [2].