Pneumococcal vaccines are the best way to protect against serious pneumococcal infections, including invasive disease, in which the bacteria invade parts of the body that are normally germ-free, such as the blood. Invasive disease is usually very serious and can be fatal. Pneumococcal disease is common in young children, but older adults are at greatest risk of serious illness and death.
Two types of pneumococcal vaccine are used in the United States: pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) and a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.
Who should be vaccinated
CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination, based on age or on certain risk conditions, for:
- all children younger than 5
- children 5 through 18 with certain risk conditions
- all adults 50 or older
- adults 19 through 49 with certain risk conditions
Who should not get it
Talk with a vaccine provider about your vaccination history and the vaccine's ingredients. Someone should not get PCV15, PCV20 or PCV21 if they:
- had a life-threatening allergic reaction after any PCV
- had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid, such as DTaP
- have a severe allergy to any part of these vaccines
Someone should not get PPSV23 if they:
- are younger than 2
- had a life-threatening allergic reaction after PPSV23
- have a severe allergy to any part of it
Vaccination is generally fine during a mild illness such as a cold; a provider can advise whether to wait.
How well they work, and side effects
The vaccines work well but cannot prevent every case. Most people have no serious problems. Side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days, though serious reactions are possible.
| Vaccine | Possible mild side effects |
|---|---|
| PCV15, PCV20 or PCV21 | redness, swelling, pain or tenderness where the shot was given; fever or chills; loss of appetite; fussiness in young children; tiredness; headache; muscle or joint aches |
| PPSV23 | redness or pain where the shot was given; tiredness; fever; muscle aches, usually gone within about 2 days |
Where to get vaccinated
Children: pneumococcal vaccination is part of the routine childhood schedule, so vaccines are regularly available at pediatric and family practices, community health clinics and public health departments.
Adults: a provider's office or pharmacy is usually best; if your provider does not have the vaccine, ask for a referral. Federally funded health centers can help people without a regular source of care, and your health department can tell you where vaccines are available locally.
Paying for it
Most private health insurance plans cover the vaccine; check with your insurer about cost and in-network providers. The Vaccines for Children program provides vaccines for children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Pneumococcal Vaccination." https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/index.html
- CDC, "Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines": https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/types.html; recommendations for children: https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/children.html; for adults: https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/adults.html; vaccine safety: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/pneumococcal.html
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from www.cdc.gov
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