Pneumococcal Infections Reported Among Workers at Turku Shipyard – Vaccinations Underway

Severe pneumococcal infections are monitored communicable diseases in Finland. They can be prevented through hygiene-related measures and vaccinations. Varha and the occupational health services of the Turku shipyard have jointly launched pneumococcal vaccinations at the Turku shipyard.

Turku shipyard recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all incoming workers as a permanent policy. Since the beginning of the spring respiratory infection season, the Turku shipyard and its network have, as part of their normal occupational safety and health responsibilities, further emphasised the importance of hygiene and, for example, increased the availability of hand sanitiser. Special attention is also being paid to the correct use of respiratory protection.

What does pneumococcus cause, and how is it transmitted?

• Pneumococcus is a common bacterium that causes upper respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis, middle ear infections, and pneumonia.
• It can also cause serious diseases requiring hospital treatment, such as severe pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis.
• Many healthy people carry pneumococci in their nasopharynx and may unknowingly transmit the bacteria even if they do not fall ill themselves.
• Some of those exposed may develop symptomatic infections, typically within a few days after the transmission. Respiratory viral infections increase this risk.
• Pneumococcus spreads through droplet transmission when coughing and sneezing. It can also be transmitted through contact. However, pneumococcus usually does not cause epidemics. Working conditions, smoking, and a large number of people increase the risk of infection.

Further information on the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) website:

• Pneumococcus (External link, opens in a new window)
• Pneumococcal vaccines