Pneumococcal Vaccination

Overview

There are 2 types of pneumococcal vaccines used in the United States:

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs)
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine

Why getting vaccinated is important

Pneumococcal disease is common in young children, but older adults are at greatest risk of serious illness and death. Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against pneumococcal infections, including invasive disease.

Invasive disease means the bacteria invade parts of the body, such as blood, that are normally free from germs. Invasive disease is usually very serious and can sometimes result in death.

Who should and shouldn't get vaccinated

Vaccine recommendations

CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for

• Children
  • All children younger than 5 years old
  • Children 5 through 18 years old with certain risk conditions
• Adults
  • All adults 50 years or older
  • 19 through 49 years old with certain risk conditions

Allergies, reactions: Talk with a vaccine provider

Talk to a vaccine provider about your vaccination history and a specific vaccine's ingredients. There may be times when someone shouldn't get a pneumococcal vaccine.

Someone shouldn't get PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21 if they:

• Had a life-threatening allergic reaction after any type of PCV
• Had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid
  • DTaP is an example
• Have a severe allergy to any part of these vaccines

Someone shouldn't get PPSV23 if they:

• Are younger than 2 years old
• Had a life-threatening allergic reaction after getting PPSV23
• Have a severe allergy to any part of PPSV23

How well they work

Vaccines that help protect against pneumococcal disease work well but cannot prevent all cases.

Possible side effects

Most people who get a pneumococcal vaccine don't have any serious problems with it. Like with medicines, there is a chance of side effects with vaccines. These are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days, but serious reactions are possible.

Mild problems

If these problems occur, they usually go away within about 2 days.

Finding and paying for vaccines

Vaccination locations

Children

Pneumococcal vaccination is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. Therefore, pneumococcal vaccines are regularly available for children at:

• Pediatric and family practice offices
• Community health clinics
• Public health departments

Adults

For adults, a healthcare provider's office or pharmacy are usually the best places to receive recommended vaccines. If your healthcare provider doesn't have pneumococcal vaccines, ask for a referral.

Federally funded health centers can also provide services if you don't have a regular source of health care. Locate one near you.

You can also contact your health department to learn more about where to get vaccines in your community.

Vaccine costs

There are several ways to cover the cost of a pneumococcal vaccine:

Private health insurance

Most private health insurance plans cover this vaccine. Check with your insurance provider for cost information and for a list of in-network vaccine providers.

Vaccines for Children program

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them.

Resources

Vaccine schedules

Parent-friendly schedule for children (birth through 6 years)

Parent-friendly schedule for children (7 through 18 years)

Easy-to-read schedule for adults (19 years and older)

Pneumococcal Vaccine Information Statements

PCV: English | Other languages

PPSV23: English | Other languages

Vaccine requirements

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine mandates for children in child care facilities

Other resources

Adult vaccine assessment tool: What vaccines do you need?

Cochlear implants and vaccination recommendations

Pneumococcal disease in adults and vaccines to prevent it