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Pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination in adults explained
This guide explains pneumococcal vaccines—what it is, who needs it, and how it helps prevent pneumococcal pneumonia.
5 min read
Medically reviewed by
Dr. David Weber - August 13, 2025
Key takeaways
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause cough, fever and chest pain. While treatable, pneumococcal pneumonia can become serious and lead to hospitalization, long recovery times, and in severe cases even death—especially in older adults. The good news? There are vaccines that can help protect against this disease.
What is pneumococcal pneumonia?
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a type of pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus. It accounts for 10-30% of community-acquired pneumonia cases in adults. Each year in the United States, pneumococcal pneumonia leads to hundreds of thousands of cases, with over 225,000 hospitalizations. About 1 in 20 people who get pneumococcal pneumonia die from it. It is a form of pneumococcal disease, which affects the lungs and can lead to:
- Cough
- Fever and chills
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion (for older adults)
Adults aged 50 and older are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults 50 years of age and older as well as adults ages 19 and older with certain underlying medical problems.
In addition to pneumonia, pneumococcal infection can cause:
- Meningitis – infection around the brain and spinal cord
- Bacteremia – germs in the blood
- Sepsis – a severe response to infection that can damage the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys
Why adults 50 years of age and older should get vaccinated
As of October 2024, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all adults 50 years of age and older get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. This change reflects growing evidence that the risk of serious illness increases with age. Adults aged 19 years and older with conditions such as chronic liver disease, chronic heart disease or chronic lung disease should also get vaccinated according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Types of pneumococcal vaccines
There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines:
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs): These include PCV15, PCV20, and PCV21. They protect against many types of pneumococcal bacteria and are commonly used for adults. The numbers 15, 20, and 21 indicate how many different types of the germ are covered by the vaccine.
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23): This vaccine covers 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria and can be given in combination with some PCVs for expanded protection.
50+
Years old
The CDC recommends pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination for all adults over 50 years old.
What are some potential side effects?
Most side effects are mild and short lived, but serious reactions are possible. Some of these side effects include:
- Redness or soreness at the injection site
- Fever or chills
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Muscle aches or joint pain
Serious side effects like difficulty breathing or a bad rash all over your body are very rare, but if you have concerns or experience anything unexpected, contact your healthcare provider. For severe side effects such as shortness of breath, go to the nearest hospital or call 911.
The bottom line on pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination
If you’re 50 years of age or older or adult 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like asthma, diabetes or chronic heart disease, getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia can help protect against the disease. Have a conversation with your healthcare provider. If you're eligible for vaccination, don't wait. Go to VaxAssist.com to check your eligibility and book a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination appointment today.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is pneumococcal vaccination important?
Certain populations, like adults 50 years of age and older and those 19 years and older with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes or chronic heart disease, are at greater risk for pneumococcal pneumonia. By receiving pneumococcal vaccination, a person can help protect themselves against the disease.
Where can I get a pneumococcal vaccine?
Most medical offices, pharmacies, and public health clinics offer pneumococcal vaccines. Head to VaxAssist by Pfizer to check your eligibility and book a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination appointment near you today.
What are pneumococcal vaccine side effects?
Most side effects are mild and go away on their own within a few days. Some side effects following pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination include redness or soreness at the injection site, fever or chills, loss of appetite, feeling tired, headache, muscle aches or joint pain. Call your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away. Serious side effects are rare, but if you notice anything unusual or concerning like difficulty breathing or a bad rash all over your body, go to the nearest hospital or call 911.
Can I get pneumococcal pneumonia even if I'm vaccinated?
Vaccines that help protect against pneumococcal disease work well but cannot prevent all cases. Pneumococcal vaccinations do not cover all types of germs that cause pneumonia, but they do help protect against pneumococcal pneumonia caused by certain pneumococcal serotypes covered by these vaccines.
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References
CDC Recommends Lowering the Age for Pneumococcal Vaccination from 65 to 50 Years Old. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Newsroom. October 23, 2024. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s1023-
pneumococcal-vaccination.html
Gierke R, Wodi P, Kobayashi M. Chapter 17: Pneumococcal Disease. Pink Book. May 1, 2024. Accessed July 23, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/pinkbook/hcp/table-of-contents/chapter-17-pneumococcal-disease.html
Kobayashi M, Leidner AJ, Gierke R, et al. Expanded Recommendations for Use of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines Among Adults Aged ≥50 Years: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2025;74:1–8. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7401a1
Kobayashi M, Spiller MW, Wu X, et al. Association of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine use with hospitalized pneumonia in medicare beneficiaries 65 years or older with and without medical conditions, 2014 to 2017. JAMA Intern Med. 2023;183(1):40
Pneumococcal Disease Symptoms and Complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 6, 2024. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/signs-symptoms/index.html
Pneumococcal Vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 26, 2024. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/index.html
Ramirez J, Furmanek S, Chandler TR, et al. Epidemiology of Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Louisville, Kentucky, and Its Estimated Burden of Disease in the United States. Microorganisms. 2023;11(11):2813. Published 2023 Nov 20. doi:10.3390/microorganisms11112813
Summary of Risk-based Pneumococcal Vaccination Recommendations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 24, 2025. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/hcp/vaccine-recommendations/risk-indications.html
Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. September 12, 2024. Accessed July 7, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/types.html
Vaccine Side Effects. The United States Department of Health and Human Services. May 6, 2022. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/safety/side-effects/index.html