Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. Pneumonia is most commonly caused by bacteria or viruses. The best way to prevent pneumonia is by getting vaccinated. There are two types of pneumonia vaccines recommended for adults – the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Knowing when and how often you need to get these vaccines is important to staying protected against pneumonia.
Who should get the pneumonia vaccines?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends both pneumonia vaccines for the following groups:
- All adults 65 years or older
- Adults younger than 65 years with certain medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system
- Adults who smoke cigarettes
- Adults 19-64 years old with asthma
These groups are at increased risk of developing pneumonia so getting vaccinated helps provide protection against the disease. The pneumonia vaccines are also recommended for adults living in long-term care facilities like nursing homes.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)
PCV13 protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria. It goes by the brand names Prevnar 13 or Synflorix.
Adults 65 years or older who have never received a pneumonia vaccine should get one dose of PCV13 first. This vaccine should ideally be given before the PPSV23 vaccine (see details below).
Adults younger than 65 years who are at high-risk of pneumonia due to medical conditions or lifestyle factors should also receive a single dose of PCV13. This includes:
- Adults 19-64 years old who smoke cigarettes
- Adults 19-64 years old with asthma
- Adults 19-64 years old with certain medical conditions like chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system
For these high-risk individuals under 65, PCV13 is typically only given as a one-time dose. However, a second dose may be recommended by your doctor if you received your first PCV13 dose before age 65 and at least 5 years have passed since getting it. Discuss with your physician if an additional dose later on is appropriate.
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)
PPSV23 protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria, including the 13 strains covered by PCV13. It goes by the brand name Pneumovax 23.
All adults 65 years or older should receive a dose of PPSV23.
For those who have never gotten any pneumonia vaccination, the recommendation is to receive PCV13 first followed by PPSV23 at least 1 year later.
Adults who have already received PPSV23 before age 65 should get another dose of the vaccine at age 65 or older as long as it has been at least 5 years since their previous dose.
High-risk adults under age 65 should also receive PPSV23. This includes:
- Adults 19-64 years old who smoke cigarettes
- Adults 19-64 years old with chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system
For these individuals, PPSV23 should ideally be given at least 1 year after receiving PCV13.
How often do I need to get the pneumonia vaccines?
Adults 65 years or older
- PCV13: Only need one dose at age 65 or older (if you haven’t had it before).
- PPSV23: Get two doses – first dose at age 65 or older and another dose at least 5 years later.
Adults 19-64 years old
- PCV13: Only need one dose (if high risk for pneumonia).
- PPSV23: Only need one dose at least 1 year after PCV13 (if high risk for pneumonia).
So in summary:
- All adults 65+ should get PCV13 and PPSV23 according to the recommended schedules.
- High-risk adults 19-64 only need one dose of PCV13 and PPSV23.
- No additional PCV13 doses are needed after age 65.
- Another dose of PPSV23 may be recommended 5 years after the previous dose for those vaccinated before age 65.
Discuss your vaccination history and risk factors with your doctor to determine if or when you need the pneumonia vaccines. Proper timing and spacing of the PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines is important to get the most protection.
Why are two different pneumonia vaccines needed?
There are over 90 strains of the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae that can cause pneumonia. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) covers 13 of the most common strains. It creates a good antibody response in adults to specifically protect against the 13 strains included in the vaccine.
However, PCV13 doesn’t include all potential pneumonia strains. Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) covers 23 total strains, including the 13 in PCV13.
Getting both vaccines provides broader protection by targeting more strains of pneumococcal bacteria. The combination approach boosts your overall immune defense against pneumonia.
Are the pneumonia vaccines effective?
Multiple studies have found both PCV13 and PPSV23 to be effective at preventing invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia among adults.
According to the CDC, PCV13 effectiveness among adults is estimated to be:
- 75% effective against invasive pneumococcal infections
- 45% effective against pneumococcal pneumonia
PPSV23 effectiveness among adults is estimated to be:
- 60-70% effective against invasive pneumococcal infections
- 30-40% effective against pneumococcal pneumonia
Getting vaccinated with PCV13 and PPSV23 significantly reduces your risk of getting pneumococcal pneumonia compared to not getting vaccinated. The vaccines may also prevent more severe illness and complications if you do get sick.
How safe are the pneumonia vaccines?
Both the PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines have excellent safety records and are generally well tolerated. Side effects are usually mild and temporary.
The most common side effects with PCV13 include:
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
The most common side effects with PPSV23 include:
- Pain, redness or swelling at injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Mild headache
Some people may experience more significant side effects like an allergic reaction, but this is rare. Your doctor can provide guidance on any risks specific to your medical history. Generally, the benefits of protection against pneumonia are strongly recommended for adults 65 years and older as well as high-risk individuals.
How much do the pneumonia vaccines cost?
The cost for pneumonia vaccination can vary depending on your health insurance coverage. Without insurance, you may pay around:
- PCV13: $180-$260 per dose
- PPSV23: $140-$260 per dose
Some key points about coverage:
- For adults 65 and older, Original Medicare Part B covers both vaccines at 100% as long as your doctor accepts assignment.
- Medicare drug plans (Part D) may cover the vaccines if given based on a medical condition (like heart disease).
- For adults under 65, costs may be covered if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or private insurance, but copays or coinsurance often apply.
- Under the Affordable Care Act, most private plans must cover recommended immunizations like pneumonia vaccines with no patient cost-sharing when provided by an in-network doctor.
Check with your specific insurance provider to understand exactly what your out-of-pocket costs may be for getting the pneumonia vaccines. Free or lower cost vaccines may also be available through community health clinics or public health departments if you are uninsured or underinsured.
Where can I get the pneumonia vaccines?
The pneumonia vaccines are administered by injection, typically in your upper arm. They are given in your doctor’s office, retail clinics, pharmacies, and community vaccination events.
Some options for where to get the pneumonia vaccines include:
- Your primary care doctor – You can get the pneumonia vaccines along with your regular preventive health visit. This is a good option if you need to discuss other health conditions with your doctor.
- Walk-in retail clinics – Many retail stores with pharmacies now offer vaccine clinics where you can just walk-in to get immunized. This provides fast and convenient access.
- Pharmacies – Many drugstore chains allow pharmacists to administer vaccines. You may be able to get your pneumonia shot right in the pharmacy.
- Health departments – Check your county or city health department for upcoming vaccination clinics or immunization services.
- Senior centers/clinics – Pneumonia vaccines are often offered at community clinics and centers for older adults.
- Hospitals – You may be able to get the pneumonia vaccines through outpatient clinics affiliated with local hospitals.
Ask your doctor for a recommendation if you are unsure where to get the vaccines. They can help direct you to reputable immunizers in your community that use proper storage and administration procedures. Wherever you go, be sure to bring your vaccination record card so the details can be added for your medical records.
When should I get the pneumonia vaccines?
The CDC recommends the following vaccine schedules:
Adults ages 65 years or older
- Get PCV13 first. You only need it once at age 65 or older.
- Get PPSV23 at least 1 year after PCV13.
- Get a second dose of PPSV23 at least 5 years after your previous dose.
Adults ages 19-64 years (who are at high risk)
- Get PCV13 first. You only need it once.
- Get PPSV23 at least 1 year after getting PCV13.
Work with your doctor on timing if you are in a high-risk group under age 65 and due for a second dose of PPSV23.
Overall, it’s ideal to get vaccinated during the fall or winter months just before pneumonia season starts. However, you can get the pneumonia vaccines at any time of year as long as proper spacing between the doses is maintained.
Can I get the pneumonia vaccines with other vaccines?
In general, the pneumonia vaccines can be given along with other vaccines like:
- Flu vaccine
- Shingles vaccine
- Tdap vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccine
When getting multiple vaccines at once, different injection sites are used for each vaccine (such as injecting in both arms). There are no specific timing restrictions on when the pneumonia vaccines can be given relative to other routine adult vaccines.
The one exception is the COVID-19 vaccine and PPSV23 should not be given together. If getting both, space these specific vaccines at least 14 days apart.
Your doctor can review your vaccination history and make specific recommendations on what vaccines you need and appropriate timing. Following the recommended schedules helps ensure each vaccine works effectively.
Do I need the pneumonia vaccines every year like the flu shot?
No, you do not need to get the pneumonia vaccines every year. The recommendations are:
- PCV13 – Only need one dose ever after age 65.
- PPSV23 – Need one dose at age 65, plus a second dose at least 5 years later.
Some key points:
- For adults 65+, only need PCV13 once in a lifetime.
- For adults 65+, PPSV23 is recommended twice, five years apart.
- Younger adults only need one dose of each vaccine based on health conditions.
- Repeat doses later in life are only recommended for PPSV23 given before age 65.
The flu vaccine is required every year because the strains change. The pneumonia vaccines provide longer lasting protection and are not needed annually. But be sure to receive PPSV23 again if your previous dose was given before age 65 and at least 5 years have passed.
What if I already had pneumonia? Do I still need the vaccine?
Yes, even if you’ve had pneumonia before, getting vaccinated is still recommended. There are nearly 100 strains of pneumococcal bacteria, so getting sick with one strain does not provide immunity against others.
The pneumonia vaccines help protect broadly against the most common strains causing disease. You can get pneumonia more than once in your lifetime, so vaccination helps prevent repeat infections.
Some key points if you’ve had pneumonia before:
- Previous pneumonia does not give you lifelong immunity.
- You can get infected with different pneumococcal strains.
- Still follow age-based vaccine recommendations.
- Vaccines boost defenses against strains not previously encountered.
Who should not get the pneumonia vaccines?
There are few reasons someone would be advised to not get the pneumonia vaccines, including:
- Severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of either pneumonia vaccine.
- Severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccines.
- Currently experiencing moderate or severe illness with a fever.
Talk to your doctor first if you have concerns about preexisting health conditions, drug allergies, or previous reactions to vaccines. Your physician can help determine if the pneumonia vaccines are recommended for you.
The vaccines may also be given with caution for certain medical treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunosuppressive drugs. Timing of vaccination may be adjusted to work with your current medical situation.
Overall, the pneumonia vaccines are considered very safe and well-tolerated for most adults. The highest risk groups strongly benefit from protection against pneumonia and related complications.
Conclusion
Pneumonia can cause serious illness, so vaccination provides important protection – especially for older adults and those with underlying medical conditions. Routine vaccination against pneumonia is recommended using both PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines. Proper timing and frequency is based on your age and risk factors. Adults 65 and older should plan to receive both vaccines. High-risk adults younger than 65 typically only need one dose of each. Talk to your doctor to ensure you get the pneumonia vaccines on schedule to lower your chances of severe pneumococcal disease.
