Logan Reed
The pneumococcal vaccine, also known as the pneumonia vaccine, is a crucial immunization that protects individuals from various types of pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause severe illnesses such as pneumococcal disease, bacteremia, and meningitis. The frequency of vaccination depends on age, health history, and the type of vaccine received. Infants typically receive four doses of either PCV13 or PCV15, with additional doses recommended for children between the ages of 2 and 18 who are at higher risk due to underlying medical conditions. For adults, the number of required doses ranges from one to three, with those over 65 advised to receive at least one dose, and additional doses one to five years later based on their previous vaccinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine | Children younger than 5 years and adults 50 years or older. Children and adults at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. |
| Number of doses | Children under 2 years old: four shots. 65 years old or older: one to two shots. Between 2 and 64 years old: between one and three shots if you have certain immune system disorders or if you're a smoker. |
| Types of pneumococcal vaccines | Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) and Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPSV). |
| Types of PCV | PCV13, PCV15, PCV20, PCV21 |
| Types of PPSV | PPSV23 |
| Minimum interval between doses | 8 weeks |
| Side effects | Rare but possible. Usually mild and disappear within one to two days. |
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What You'll Learn
Pneumococcal vaccine dosage for infants
The pneumococcal vaccine, also called the pneumonia vaccine, is an immunization that protects children and adults against many types of pneumococcal bacteria. Pneumococcal bacteria spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. Vaccines are an important part of preventing severe illnesses and their complications.
The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all children younger than 5 years old. A 4-dose PCV series (PCV13, PCV15 or PCV20) should be administered, 1 dose at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12–15 months. The CDC also recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children and adults at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.
If PCV15 is used, a dose of PPSV23 should be administered one year later. If PCV20 or PCV21 is used, a dose of PPSV23 is not indicated. In certain situations, children 2 through 18 years of age may need additional pneumococcal vaccine doses.
In adults, one to three doses of the pneumococcal vaccine will likely last the rest of their life. Adults over 65 need at least one dose of the pneumonia shot. Depending on what vaccines they’ve received before, they may need more doses one to five years later.
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Pneumococcal vaccine for children under 5
Pneumococcal disease can cause serious health issues, including pneumonia and meningitis. The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children younger than 5 years old, as they are at higher risk of infection and can experience severe health issues as a result.
The pneumococcal vaccine is safe for children under 5, with doses given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months. The CDC recommends a 4-dose PCV series (PCV15 or PCV20), with one dose at each of these ages. The number of doses and the intervals between them will depend on the child's age when they start the vaccination process. For example, a child who begins the vaccination series at 4 months old will follow a different schedule than a child who begins at 6 months old.
Healthy children aged 2-5 years who did not complete the four doses or did not receive any doses should receive one dose of the vaccine. Children in this age group who start the vaccination series later than recommended should still be vaccinated.
In certain situations, children aged 2-18 may need additional pneumococcal vaccine doses. This could be due to a compromised immune system, such as from HIV infection or cancer, or other medical conditions that increase their risk. Children over 5 who weren't fully immunized against pneumococcal bacteria earlier may be given the PCV13, PCV15, PCV20, or PPSV23 vaccines, depending on their medical history and any relevant medical conditions.
The pneumococcal vaccine is an important tool in preventing severe illness and its complications. It is recommended that caregivers follow the immunization schedule provided by healthcare providers to ensure children receive the vaccinations they need.
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Pneumococcal vaccine for adults under 50
The pneumococcal vaccine, also called the pneumonia vaccine, helps protect against different serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause mild to serious infections. Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria that commonly live in the nose and throat and can cause mild infections such as ear infections and more severe infections such as pneumonia. Pneumococcal bacteria spread from person to person through respiratory droplets.
The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children younger than 5 years and adults 50 years or older. They also recommend pneumococcal vaccination for children and adults at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. The number of doses recommended and the intervals between doses will depend on the age and health history of the patient. Children between 2 and 18 years of age may need additional pneumococcal vaccine doses.
Adults typically need one to three pneumococcal shots to last them the rest of their lives. Adults younger than 50 may be recommended to receive pneumococcal vaccines based on risk factors and vaccination history. The CDC offers PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor, a free app to quickly and easily provide patient-specific pneumococcal vaccine guidance.
The United States uses two types of pneumococcal vaccines: PCV15 and PPSV23. If PCV15 is used, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23 a year later. If PCV20 or PCV21 is used, a dose of PPSV23 is not indicated. Adults 65 years or older have the option to get PCV20 or PCV21, or to not get additional pneumococcal vaccines.
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Pneumococcal vaccine for adults over 65
Pneumococcal bacteria are a common cause of pneumonia, which is a serious infection of the lungs. This infection can quickly become life-threatening for older adults, especially those with other health conditions or a weakened immune system. In fact, almost 1 million people aged 65 or older are hospitalized with pneumonia each year, and around 30% of older adults treated for pneumonia will die.
The pneumococcal vaccine, also known as the pneumonia vaccine, is an immunization that protects against many types of pneumococcal bacteria. The CDC recommends this vaccine for children younger than 5 years old, adults 50 years or older, and anyone at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal vaccines can help prevent severe illnesses and their complications, and they may even be administered alongside the COVID-19 vaccine.
For adults over 65, at least one dose of the pneumonia shot is needed. Depending on previous vaccinations, additional doses may be required one to five years later. The CDC states that adults 65 and older have the option to get PCV20 or PCV21, or to forgo additional pneumococcal vaccines.
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV15 and PCV20) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) are both safe and effective options for adults. However, they cannot be administered simultaneously. Your healthcare provider will help you determine the appropriate vaccine and the necessary number of doses based on your age, overall health, and risk factors.
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Pneumococcal vaccine side effects
Pneumococcal vaccines are an important part of preventing severe illnesses and their complications. The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children younger than 5 years and adults 50 years or older. The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis.
Like all medicines, the pneumococcal vaccine can cause side effects, but not everyone experiences them. The most common side effects include a fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of the hands, face, or mouth. In babies and children, side effects may include a high temperature or feeling unwell and irritable. More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are very rare and usually happen within minutes.
The pneumococcal vaccine may also cause an increased risk of certain side effects when taken with other medications. It is important to notify your doctor of any side effects that occur after receiving the vaccine and to inform them of any other medications you are taking.
In adults, one to three doses of the pneumococcal vaccine will likely provide lifelong protection. The number of doses and the interval between them depend on the recipient's age and health history. Adults over 65 need at least one dose of the pneumonia shot and may need additional doses one to five years later.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of times an individual should receive the pneumococcal vaccine depends on their age, health history, and type of vaccine.
The pneumococcal vaccine, also called the pneumonia vaccine, is an immunization that protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis.
The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children younger than 5 years and adults 50 years or older. Children and adults at increased risk of pneumococcal disease should also be vaccinated.
Infants should receive four doses of either PCV13 or PCV15.
Most adults need one to two doses of the pneumococcal vaccine. Adults over 65 need at least one dose and may need additional doses one to five years later depending on their previous vaccinations.
