How Often Do You Need to Get a Pneumonia Shot?
An infection of the lungs usually causes pneumonia due to the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. When these bacteria affect your lungs, they can cause life-threatening infections in other parts of your body as well, such as the bloodstream, spine, and even brain.
Here are the recommendations for the pneumonia shot:
- Four shots for individuals younger than 2 years old, at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months, followed by a booster between 12 and 15 months.
- One to two shots, depending on the type, for people that are 65 years old or older.
- For individuals between 2 and 64 years old, between one and three shots. This is especially true if you have certain immune system disorders or if you are a smoker.
Make sure your young child is vaccinated because pneumococcal disease is common among babies and toddlers. Older adults, too, are at an increased risk of experiencing life-threatening complications from a pneumonia infection. Therefore, it is important to start getting vaccinated when you are nearing the age of 65.
Different Types of Pneumonia Shots
There are two types of pneumonia vaccines: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) and Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPSV).
PCV includes sugar from the bacteria that is attached to a protein, and the protein improves the immune response of the body. This way, the vaccine can protect against infections caused by the pneumococcus bacteria. It has three types and is usually given to infants, older adults, adults between 19 and 64 with certain health conditions, and certain individuals.
As for PPSV, it contains purified sugar that is present outside of the pneumococcus bacteria. It is usually given once to adults who are aged 65 and to adults above 65 with specific health conditions one year after they receive the PCV vaccine. PPSV has one type only!
There are specific recommendations for pneumonia shots for the vaccination schedules and types, depending on the individual health needs and local guidelines. Make sure you consult a professional regarding your vaccination shots!
Closing Note
There are different recommendations and schedules for pneumonia shots. You should talk to a professional, and they will schedule your vaccination based on your age, health requirements, and more.
Bharmal Internal Medicine is your trusted provider for quality care and vaccinations. Dial (817) 784-0052 to schedule a consultation with us!