Who Needs a Pneumonia Vaccine and How Often

Pneumonia is a lung infection that inflames the air sacs, sometimes causing them to fill with fluid or pus. This can trigger a phlegmy cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.

While pneumonia symptoms can range from mild to severe, certain groups are at higher risk of serious complications. The pneumonia vaccine can protect those at risk so they don’t get too sick.

Dr. John Terzian and our Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology team prioritize preventive care, including vaccinations that strengthen your immune system against contagious diseases.

Here, we explain who needs the pneumonia vaccine and how often.

Why the pneumonia vaccine matters 

The pneumonia vaccine, formerly the pneumococcal vaccine, protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria that causes pneumococcal disease. 

Though pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, the bacteria may infect more than the lungs, causing other serious infections, such as sepsis (blood infection) or meningitis.

Although it is sometimes referred to as the pneumonia vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine may reduce the risk of severe illness and long-term complications.

Children younger than 5

Children receive several vaccines early in life to protect them from serious diseases, including polio, mumps, whooping cough, and measles. Infants and toddlers have a weaker immune system, making them especially vulnerable to infections like pneumococcal disease.

Health authorities recommend all children five and younger get the pneumococcal vaccine, which can be given as early as six weeks old. 

The vaccine is administered as a four-dose series, given at:

• Two months
• Four months
• Six months
• 15 to 18 months 

Early vaccination may safeguard children from severe pneumonia and other infections caused by the bacteria.

Adults 50 and older

The immune system’s ability to protect against disease declines with age. Older adults are more susceptible to infectious diseases and complications. 

Adults 50 and older who have not previously been vaccinated should get the pneumonia vaccine. We may recommend a second dose within a year depending on the type of vaccine received. 

We may recommend additional doses to ensure complete protection if you were previously vaccinated. 

Anyone at high-risk

Age isn’t the only factor we consider when deciding who can benefit from the pneumonia vaccine. People with certain health conditions are at higher risk of pneumococcal disease and should consider vaccination before 50. These conditions include:

• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Heart disease
• Autoimmune disorders
• HIV/AIDS
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)

The pneumonia vaccine is also recommended for people undergoing chemotherapy or receiving immunosuppressing medication. Smokers at an increased risk of serious lung infections may also benefit from early vaccination.

Prevention is your best defense against serious illness. If you’re unsure whether you need the pneumonia vaccine, our team is here to help.  

Call us today or book an appointment online at our West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, office. 

We are conveniently located near Boston and proudly serve communities throughout Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, and Providence counties, including Braintree, Canton, Stoughton, Westwood, Norwood, and Walpole. Whether you're in Foxborough, Easton, Brockton, or Abington, we're just a short drive away. 

We also welcome clients from West Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Bridgewater, and Middleborough, as well as Taunton, Norton, Mansfield, and Attleboro. Our reach extends to Rehoboth, Somerset, Swansea, Fall River, Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford, and even further to Wareham, Plymouth, and Pembroke. Rhode Island residents in Providence, East Providence, and Warwick can also rely on our services.