Those who may be at greatest risk for pneumococcal disease are usually those who:
Are 65 years of age or older
Other groups at increased risk are children more than 2 years of age and adults who:
Have chronic illnesses, such as heart, lung, and kidney disease, diabetes, alcoholism, do not have a spleen (asplenia), or whose spleens do not work well
Have HIV infection, or other conditions associated with an impaired immune system
Live in nursing homes or other chronic care facilities
Have cancer, Hodgkin's disease for example, and are about to undergo treatment
Those who may be at greatest risk for pneumococcal disease are usually those who: