Pneumococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. The pneumonia vaccine can help reduce the likelihood of developing or becoming seriously ill from pneumococcal disease.
In October 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention broadened its guidelines around who should receive the vaccine. The agency now states that all adults should receive the one-time vaccination at age 50. Previously, the recommended age had been 65.
“The updated guidance reflects the knowledge that beginning at age 50, people face an increased risk of becoming seriously ill from pneumococcal disease,” says Dr. Samuel Beschta, a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Darboy. “We want to ensure people who are eligible know about and follow the new recommendation.”
CDC’s Complete Recommendation
In addition to adults 50-plus, the CDC recommends the pneumonia vaccine for:
- All children younger than 5
- Children 5-18 with certain health risk factors
- Individuals 19-49 with certain health risk factors
What is Pneumococcal Disease?
Pneumococcal disease is an umbrella term for any infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria can cause many types of infections, including:
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
- Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)
- Otitis media (middle ear infection)
- Sinusitis (sinus infection)
Pneumococcal bacteria spreads between people through direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as coughing and sneezing.
Why Get Vaccinated?
According to the National Foundation for Infectious Disease, an estimated 150,000 U.S. adults are hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia each year. About one in 20 individuals who get pneumococcal pneumonia will die. The death rate is higher among adults age 65 years and older.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease, according to the CDC. The vaccine can help decrease a person’s chances of contracting the disease. If someone who’s vaccinated does develop pneumonia, it can reduce the duration and severity of their illness.
Additional Prevention Steps
In addition to vaccination, other steps can help stop the spread of pneumonia. These include:
- Washing your hands frequently, especially after coughing or blowing your nose, going to the bathroom and diapering, and before eating or preparing foods
- Avoiding people who are sick
- Taking steps to improve indoor air quality
- Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
- Abstaining from smoking
- Limiting secondhand smoke exposure
Vaccine Types
Two types of vaccines are available to protect against pneumococcal disease. The first is pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs). That variety includes PCV15, PCV20 and PCV21. The number at the end of the name indicates how many strains of pneumococcal bacteria each vaccine protects against.
PCVs are given to children younger than 5 years old and to older children who need it. Providers also give PCVs to adults 50 years or older and other adults who need it.
The second type is called pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Providers may give PPSV23 to children 2 through 18 years old with certain conditions, as well as certain adults.
A child or adult’s primary care provider will provide guidance on which vaccine the individual should receive.
“Unlike the flu shot, the pneumonia vaccine isn’t annual,” Dr. Beschta says. “Most people only need to get vaccinated once. If you’re receiving the flu shot, it’s safe to receive the pneumonia vaccine at the same time.”
Avoid Serious Illness
“Pneumonia can happen any time of the year, but as we enter cold and flu season, now is a good time to learn how the pneumonia vaccine can help prevent a potentially serious infection,” Dr. Beschta says.
