The Pneumonia Vaccine

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Schedule an Appointment

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.

Schedule an Appointment

Pneumonia Frequently Asked Questions

The following frequently asked questions were created following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    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 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) – Prevnar13
    • PCV15 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) – Vaxneuvance
    • PCV20 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) – Prevnar20
    • PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine) – Pneumovax23

    PCV13 protects against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria and is available for children. PCV15 and PCV20, which are recommended for adults, 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:

    • Are 65 years and older
    • Are 19-64 years old and have certain medical conditions or other risk factors

    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, shingles, Tdap and more.

Influenza (Flu)
Shingles
Tdap
COVID-19
Influenza (Flu)
Shingles
Tdap
COVID-19

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Pneumonia Vaccine Information

On this page, we’ll go over some important information regarding pneumonia and answer a number of common questions about pneumonia and the vaccine.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs triggered by a variety or organisms, including pneumococcal bacteria, viruses and fungi. Pneumonia causes inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs, resulting in breathing difficulties, a cough with phlegm, fever and chills. Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening.

Who Should Get a Pneumonia Vaccine?

Even though anyone can get pneumonia, some people are at increased risk for severe pneumonia symptoms. The CDC recommends vaccination for all children younger than 2 years old and all adults 65 years or older. People between the ages of 2 and 64 with certain medical conditions should also receive the appropriate pneumonia vaccine.

There are multiple pneumonia vaccines available, including the PCV13 vaccine (Prevnar 13), PCV20 vaccine (Prevnar 20) and PPSV23 vaccine (Pneumovax 23). To schedule an appointment to receive a pneumonia vaccine, find a pharmacy or find a clinic near you and choose an appointment time that conveniently fits your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you get a pneumonia shot and how long does a pneumonia shot last? We’ve addressed some of the most common questions you’re likely to have about pneumonia and the pneumonia vaccine. Read through our Frequently Asked Questions section above to learn more.

Other Important Vaccines

Are you up to date on all of your vaccines? While getting your pneumonia vaccine, you can also catch up on your flu, shingles or Tdap vaccine. Take a look at out our adult vaccine checklist to make sure you’re up-to-date and fully protected, or head to our Vaccines Page for immunizations for the whole family.

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