The pneumococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and influenza viruses are respiratory pathogens in humans with a common history of causing high mortality in young, old, and immunocompromised persons. Infections by the two agents are thought to be linked causally with influenza infection being an important predisposing factor for subsequent pneumococcal disease in humans. In this paper we review recent progress toward effective human vaccination against these microorganisms.