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Pneumococcal |
Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia, septicaemia, meningitis and middle ear disease, particularly in young children and the elderly.
Some Aboriginal communities have the highest rates of pneumococcal infection in the world, with hospitalisation rates for respiratory disease 20 times those for the overall population in some areas.
A significant public health benefit is achievable through vaccination because of the high burden of preventable disease.
For further information see the Australian Immunisation Handbook (call the Immunisation Infoline 1800 671 811) or the Immunise Australia website
http://immunise.health.gov.au/indigenous.htm.
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