Your pneumococcal pneumonia risk increases after 50.
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.
What’s keeping you from getting vaccinated for pneumococcal pneumonia?
Pneumococcal pneumonia can be serious.
It’s a bacterial lung infection that can be especially dangerous for adults 50+. Even healthy adults are at increased risk, and it can lead to hospitalization.
Learn more in What is pneumococcal pneumonia? Symptoms, risk factors, and prevention.
If your doctor hasn’t mentioned vaccination, you can bring it up.
Working together with your doctor or pharmacist is a great way to help decide whether pneumococcal vaccination is right for you.
See more in the article How to talk with your healthcare provider(s) about vaccines.
Don't wait until you're older to think about vaccination.
Turning 50 is enough to increase your risk of pneumococcal pneumonia, even if you feel healthy.
See if pneumococcal vaccination is right for you by answering a few questions.
Most side effects are mild and go away in a few days.
This is your body’s way of showing that it’s learning to protect you from future illness. Still, it’s good to know the difference between a normal response and something more serious.
See the article What to know about vaccine side effects to learn more.
We can help.
Use our booking system to find days, times, and locations so that getting vaccinated can fit conveniently into your schedule. Same day appointments may also be available.
If you’re eligible for more than one vaccine, you also can typically book shots together to save time.
Managing vaccine costs is a real concern.
Just know that if you have insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid, your COVID-19, RSV, pneumococcal pneumonia, and flu vaccines may be available at no additional cost to you.
Help protect yourself.
Same-day vaccination appointments may be available.
Sign up to get vaccine guidance.
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Still have questions?
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 vaccines?
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 a nearby pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination locations and appointment times that work with your schedule. Additionally, you can speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.