This study aims to determine the potential contribution of S. pneumoniae to the morbidity of patients with COPD in Ireland and if the PCV-13 has potential for reducing infective exacerbations in this cohort. A group of 150 COPD patients are being monitored at quarterly intervals over one year. At each study visit patients report changes to COPD-related medication, recent hospitalisations and exacerbations and provide a sputum sample (or pharyngeal swab if not possible) which is assessed for the presence of S. pneumoniae.