Pneumococcal disease has reportedly climbed to its highest level in Australia in two decades, with 2643 infections recorded nationwide in 2025, an 11% rise on the year before.
Now health experts are backing a campaign with an unusually simple starting point: teaching people how to say the word itself (“New-Mo-Coc-Uhl”).
What is pneumococcal?
Pneumococcal is a bacterial infection that can trigger earache, sinus congestion, fever, breathing difficulties, and, in severe cases, progress to pneumonia or meningitis.
Children under 5 face a higher risk, as their immune systems are still maturing and have fewer defences to fight the bacteria.
Symptoms easily mistaken for a winter cold
Associate Professor Daryl Cheng, a consultant paediatrician, says parents and carers of young children should know the common symptoms of pneumococcal disease.
“Pneumococcal disease can present with symptoms including congestion, fever, shortness of breath, headache or drowsiness, which can make it hard to distinguish from other winter illnesses.
“Recognising the signs early can help families seek care quickly if something doesn’t feel right,” says A/Prof Daryl Cheng.
Difficult name, difficult to remember
One challenge with pneumococcal disease is that its name can be difficult to pronounce and remember, which can make awareness and early recognition harder.
Experts say that becoming familiar with the term is the first step in supporting clearer conversations with healthcare professionals and understanding when symptoms may be more than just a common cold.
“Greater awareness of pneumococcal disease and its early signs and symptoms is important for parents and carers,” says Bruce Langoulant AM, Chair of Meningitis Centre Australia.
“It is a serious disease that can have lasting effects. I often see parents whose children have survived pneumococcal disease but still struggle with the long-term effects on their health well into adulthood.
“It’s very important for parents of infants to watch out for unusual changes in health and to understand what could be a sign that something isn’t right.
“Having more informed conversations with healthcare professionals can build parents’ awareness of the signs to watch out for and the protections available.
“It’s a disease where every second counts.”
‘A serious disease with lasting impacts’
While pneumococcal disease can occur at any time, experts say that infections appear more common during winter and spring.
“Pneumococcal disease disproportionately affects infants and young children, especially those under two, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and older Australians,” says Catherine Hughes, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA).
“Despite this, awareness among parents is still low compared to other winter illnesses like influenza.
“It’s a serious disease that can have lasting impacts on a child’s health and development.
“Recognising the signs early can make a real difference to long-term outcomes.”
Parents or carers concerned about their child’s risk are encouraged to speak with a healthcare professional.
