How Much Do You Know About the Pneumonia Vaccine?

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs from an infection. The most common causes are bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for the most common form of pneumonia (pneumococcal pneumonia). It can also cause infections in the blood and the brain.

In the U.S., two types of pneumococcal vaccine are available. Neither one is given every year. These vaccines protect against pneumococcal pneumonia. Talk with your healthcare provider about which pneumococcal vaccine and which vaccine schedule is best for you.

The CDC recommends that all adults 65 years and older get the pneumonia vaccine. The CDC also advises it for children under 2 years old and people with chronic health conditions or who have a weak immune system. This is true even if they have had pneumonia before. That's because there are many types (strains) of pneumonia. Having one type doesn't protect you against getting another type. Talk with your healthcare provider about the pneumonia vaccine and your healthcare needs.

People ages 65 and older and children under 2 years old should have the vaccines against pneumonia. But anyone who has certain chronic health problems or a weak immune system should also be vaccinated. These problems include heart disease, lung disease, sickle cell disease, and diabetes. Talk with your healthcare provider if you believe you might be at risk.

That's because the vaccines are not made from whole bacteria. They are made from parts that are not infectious. Side effects from the pneumonia shots are mild. These include some swelling and soreness at the site of the shot.

People at the highest risk of getting pneumococcal disease are children younger than 2 years old, people with certain chronic health problems, people older than age 65, people with a weak immune system, and people who smoke cigarettes.

Common signs of pneumonia include a cough, a fever, and trouble breathing.