Which children are most likely to get pneumococcal disease?
Young children are much more likely than older children and adults to get pneumococcal disease. Children under 2, children in group child care, and children who have certain illnesses (for example sickle cell disease, HIV infection, chronic heart or lung conditions) are at higher risk than other children to get pneumococcal disease. In addition, pneumococcal disease is more common among children of certain racial or ethnic groups, such as Alaska Natives, Native Americans, and African-Americans, than among other groups.
Last Reviewed: 10/25/2009
