Pneumococcal Pneumonia, caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, is the most common bacterial type of pneumonia. It can be life-threatening and may require admission to hospital. Bacteria can be present in your nose and throat without symptoms however, you can still infect others. Like the flu, it can be passed on from person to person through talking, coughing and sneezing. Risk factors for Pneumococcal pneumoniae are *Increased age, *Medical conditions such as chronic lung, heart or liver disease, Diabetes, and cancer, *Lifestyle factors including smoking, alcoholism and living in long-term care facilities. If you are 50+, talk to your pharmacist about the Prevnar 13 vaccine.