After 50, your risk of pneumococcal pneumonia goes up.
2 min
What you need to know
Feeling healthy doesn’t eliminate risk
As you age, your immune system weakens, making infections like pneumococcal pneumonia harder to fight. It can come on fast and become serious quickly.
Only one dose is needed
Pneumococcal vaccination is not an annual vaccine. Most adults only need one dose for protection.
Recommended for adults 50+
Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for all adults age 50 and older, even if they’re otherwise healthy.
Your risk is over 6x higher after 50.
The risk of pneumococcal pneumonia increases with age, even among adults who otherwise feel healthy.
Source: American Lung Association
Related resources
Get more answers to your vaccine questions.
Health insurance covers routine vaccines for nearly 80% of adults in the United States.
If you have insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, most recommended vaccines could be covered at no cost to you.
If you’re uninsured, you will typically pay the list price per dose but costs vary by pharmacy.
Correct answer: If you have insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, most recommended vaccines could be covered at no cost to you.
If you’re uninsured, you will typically pay the list price per dose but costs vary by pharmacy.
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Still have questions about vaccines?
How often do I need a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?
Unlike the flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccination is typically given as a single shot. The vaccine is designed to help with long-lasting protection. Find out more in the article What is pneumococcal pneumonia? Symptoms, risk factors, and prevention.
Are there different types of pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?
Yes, there are different kinds of pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines. Each one has different coverage in terms of what types are included. All pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines help reduce the risk of pneumococcal disease. Check out the article What is pneumococcal pneumonia? Symptoms, risk factors, and prevention to find out more.
Can I get the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine, or other respiratory vaccines?
Yes, you can get a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination the same time you get your other respiratory vaccines, including the flu vaccine. Each vaccine is given with its own syringe, and if possible, in a different spot on the body. Find more information in the article Getting more than one vaccine: important information to consider.
How much does a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination cost?
If you have insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid, your pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination may be available at no additional cost to you. Please contact your insurance company for specific cost information for this vaccine. People without insurance may pay the list price per dose, plus any additional pharmacy charges that may apply.
Where can I go to get a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?
On VaxAssist, it’s easy to find nearby pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination locations and appointment times that work with your schedule. Additionally, you can speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.