Pneumonia shots, also known as pneumococcal vaccines, provide protection against pneumococcal infections. Pneumococcal bacteria are a common cause of pneumonia and other illnesses like meningitis, bacteremia, and sinusitis. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines recommended for adults – PPSV23 and PCV13. Knowing how long pneumonia shots provide protection is important for maintaining immunity.
Quick Answer
Most adults only need one dose of the PPSV23 pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, which provides protection for 5-10 years. Adults ages 65 and older, as well as younger adults with certain medical conditions, may need to get revaccinated after 5 years. The PCV13 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended in addition to PPSV23 for adults with weakened immune systems, and adults ages 65 and older should get PCV13 first. PCV13 likely provides protection for 5 years or longer.
What is the PPSV23 Pneumonia Shot?
The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, also known as PPSV23, protects against 23 of the most common serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It was first introduced in the United States in 1983 and is approved for use in adults ages 2 years and older.
PPSV23 works by inducing the production of antibodies against the polysaccharide capsule of the pneumococcus bacteria. The antibodies help the immune system recognize and destroy the bacteria before infection can occur.
Who Should Get the PPSV23 Shot?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends PPSV23 for the following groups:
- All adults ages 65 years and older
- Adults ages 19-64 with certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease, smoking, cochlear implants, spinal fluid leaks, or alcoholism
- Adults ages 19 and older with weakened immune systems due to HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplant, or medications
- Adults ages 19 and older who smoke cigarettes or live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
PPSV23 is contraindicated for those with a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine.
How Long Does PPSV23 Protection Last in Adults?
Studies have found PPSV23 provides moderate protection against invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia for about 5 years in most healthy adults. Immune response wanes over time.
However, adults ages 65 and older and younger adults with certain medical conditions may only be protected for 5 years and can benefit from getting revaccinated. The CDC states a second dose of PPSV23 should be administered 5 years after the first dose for:
- Adults ages 65 and older if the first dose was given before age 65
- Adults ages 19-64 with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, diabetes, alcoholism, cochlear implants, or spinal fluid leaks
Revaccination helps provide another 5 years of optimal protection against pneumococcal bacteria. Adults should not receive more than 2 doses of PPSV23 in their lifetime. The 2 doses should be spaced at least 5 years apart.
What is the PCV13 Pneumonia Shot?
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, also known as PCV13, protects against 13 serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria and is approved for use in adults ages 18 years and older. It was first introduced in the U.S. in 2010.
PCV13 works similarly to PPSV23 but utilizes a different mechanism. PCV13 uses a carrier protein conjugated to the polysaccharide capsule, which improves the effectiveness and memory of the immune response.
Who Should Get the PCV13 Shot?
The CDC recommends PCV13 for the following groups:
- Adults ages 65 years and older – should get PCV13 first followed by PPSV23
- Adults ages 19-64 with certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart or lung disease, liver disease, alcoholism, cochlear implants, spinal fluid leaks, or smoking – should get PCV13 first followed by PPSV23
- Adults ages 19 and older with immunocompromising conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplant, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, or high-dose corticosteroid use
PCV13 is contraindicated for those with a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine.
How Long Does PCV13 Protection Last in Adults?
Clinical studies on the duration of protection provided by PCV13 are limited compared to PPSV23. However, evidence suggests PCV13 provides protection for at least 5 years in immunocompetent adults ages 65 and older.
One randomized controlled trial found PCV13 was effective at preventing vaccine-type pneumococcal pneumonia among adults ages 65 and older for about 4 years after vaccination. The immune response following PCV13 has also been shown to persist for at least 5 years in older adults.
For adults ages 19-64 with medical conditions, PCV13 is presumed to provide at least 5 years of protection based on studies of young children. More research is needed to confirm vaccination intervals in high-risk individuals.
Currently, revaccination with PCV13 is not recommended for adults. Only a single dose of PCV13 is recommended at this time. More data on the duration of protection will help determine optimal timing of revaccination in the future.
Comparing PPSV23 and PCV13 Pneumonia Shots
| Vaccine | PPSV23 | PCV13 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine | Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine |
| Serotypes covered | 23 serotypes | 13 serotypes |
| Age indications | Adults ages 2+ years | Adults ages 18+ years |
| Dosing schedule | One-time dose after age 65, revaccinate after 5 years if high risk | One-time dose |
| Duration of protection | 5-10 years in most adults | At least 5 years |
Both PPSV23 and PCV13 are inactivated vaccines administered as a single intramuscular injection, typically in the deltoid. They may be given together or spaced apart by any time interval, though PCV13 should be given first in adults ages 65 and older.
PPSV23 has been used for a longer time in adults and provides slightly broader serotype coverage, but PCV13 is more effective overall at preventing pneumococcal pneumonia. PCV13 seems to provide longer-lasting immunity compared to the waning protection from PPSV23 over time.
Why Get Revaccinated With Pneumonia Shots?
Getting revaccinated with follow-up pneumonia shots is important for maintaining immunity against pneumococcal disease. Protection from vaccines gradually decreases over time. Groups at higher risk, like adults over 65 and those with chronic illnesses, become vulnerable to infection again after 5 years.
Revaccination with a second dose of PPSV23 after 5 years helps reestablish optimal antibody levels to fight off pneumococcal bacteria. This extended protection is crucial for reducing the risk of pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, and other serious complications.
Routine revaccination establishes ongoing prevention against the top pneumococcal serotypes causing disease. Adults over 65 who received their initial PPSV23 dose before age 65 should get a follow-up dose after turning 65, even within 5 years, due to their elevated risk status.
Why Only Certain Adults Need Pneumonia Shot Revaccination
Revaccination with PPSV23 is currently only recommended for adults ages 65 and older and younger adults with certain medical conditions because they are at increased risk for severe pneumococcal infection.
Healthy adults under age 65 without immunocompromising conditions can generally get by with a single dose of PPSV23, as they have a more robust immune response. The waning antibody levels are less critical in lower risk groups.
Younger, healthier adults also have lower rates of pneumococcal disease than older adults. As people age, their immune function declines and risk of exposure rises, making repeat vaccination more beneficial.
Until more data is available, getting at most two lifetime doses of PPSV23 spaced five years apart is considered sufficient protection for adults under age 65 without underlying medical conditions placing them at high risk.
Pneumonia Shot Schedule for Adults
The pneumonia vaccine schedule outlines the recommended timing for both PPSV23 and PCV13 shots in adults. General guidelines per age and risk factors are:
- Adults ages 65 and older: PCV13 at age 65, followed by PPSV23 at least 1 year later. Get revaccinated with PPSV23 after 5 years.
- Adults ages 19-64 with certain medical conditions: PCV13 first, followed by PPSV23 at least 1 year later. Get revaccinated with PPSV23 after 5 years if high risk.
- Healthy adults ages 19-64: One dose of PPSV23 based on individual risk factors and shared decision-making with a medical provider.
- Adults ages 19 and older with immunocompromising conditions: PCV13, followed by PPSV23 at least 8 weeks later. No revaccination recommendations yet.
The timing of the initial pneumonia shot doses and any subsequent boosters depends on the individual’s age, health status, and other clinical considerations. Shared decision-making between patients and their medical providers is important to determine optimal pneumococcal vaccination schedules.
Can You Get the Pneumonia Shot Too Early?
While delaying vaccination leaves adults vulnerable, there are limited risks to getting vaccinated too early against pneumonia.
PPSV23 and PCV13 are approved for use in all recommended adult age groups. Healthy adults under age 65 do not require revaccination, so getting the shot early provides protection. Older adults may need a booster 5 years later regardless of initial timing.
Early vaccination is generally not a concern with inactivated vaccines like pneumonia shots. The only exceptions would be if given too soon before or after certain medical treatments that affect the immune system, like chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
There must be at least a 4 week interval between PCV13 and PPSV23 doses. Otherwise, pneumonia shots can be given whenever appropriate based on age and health status. It is always better to vaccinate early when indicated rather than delay protection.
Key Takeaways
- Most adults only need one dose of PPSV23 pneumonia vaccine, providing 5-10 years of protection.
- Adults ages 65 and older and younger high-risk adults need PPSV23 revaccination after 5 years.
- PCV13 is recommended for adults over 65 and high-risk groups, providing at least 5 years of immunity.
- Revaccination helps maintain optimal antibody levels against pneumococcal disease.
- Pneumonia shot timing depends on age, health status, and risk factors – discuss with your doctor.
The Bottom Line
Pneumonia vaccines are an important tool for preventing serious pneumococcal disease in adults. Protection from the shots gradually wanes over time, making follow-up revaccination critical for high-risk groups like adults over 65. Most healthy adults under 65 only require one dose. Talk to your doctor to ensure you get the pneumonia shots you need, when you need them.