*Vaccine availability and administration capabilities vary by location and state regulation.
Pneumonia Vaccine Basics
Age-Based Recommendations
The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all children younger than 2 years of age and all adults 65 years or older. People aged 2-64 with certain medical conditions should also receive a pneumococcal vaccine.
Pneumococcal Disease
Pneumonia vaccines protect against pneumococcal bacteria, which can lead to ear and sinus infections, as well as more serious lung and blood infections.
Conjugate & Polysaccharide
There are three pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20) and one polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Each vaccine is recommended based on age and medical status.
Age-Based Recommendations
The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all children younger than 2 years of age and all adults 65 years or older. People aged 2-64 with certain medical conditions should also receive a pneumococcal vaccine.
Pneumococcal Disease
Pneumonia vaccines protect against pneumococcal bacteria, which can lead to ear and sinus infections, as well as more serious lung and blood infections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following frequently asked questions were created following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) – Prevnar13
- PCV15 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) – Vaxneuvance
- PCV20 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) – Prevnar20
- PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine) – Pneumovax23
- Are 65 years and older
- Are 19-64 years old and have certain medical conditions or other risk factors
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages.
Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but some people are at increased risk. Being a certain age (over 65) or having certain medical conditions (including diabetes, heart, lung, kidney disease and a history of tobacco use) can increase a person’s risk for pneumococcal disease. Vaccines are the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease!
There are four available vaccines:
PCV13 and PCV15 are available for children. Adults may receive PCV15, PCV20 and/or PPSV23, which also protect against invasive pneumococcal bacteria. PCV20 is a one-dose vaccine series whereas PCV15 is given with PPSV23. The CDC does not have a preference for either the single-dose or two-dose series. Talk to your healthcare provider today to decide which is best for you.
The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all children younger than 2 years of age and all adults 65 years or older. People aged 2-64 with certain medical conditions should also receive a pneumococcal vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider today to discuss which vaccine is appropriate for you!
All children younger than 5 years old and children 5-18 years old with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of pneumococcal disease should receive PCV13 or PCV15. Children 2-18 years old with certain medical conditions should also receive PPSV23.
Adults who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine should receive PCV15 or PCV20 if they:
If PCV15 is used, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23.
Some groups may need multiple or booster doses. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive additional doses of the pneumococcal vaccine.
Other Recommended Vaccines
Are you up to date on all your vaccines? While getting your pneumonia vaccine, you can also get vaccinated for influenza (flu), COVID-19, shingles and more.
