Find a pneumococcal vaccine near me

Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blood infections, and even death—especially in young children, older adults, and those with certain medical conditions.

Fortunately, pneumococcal vaccines offer strong protection against the most dangerous strains of the bacteria. With multiple vaccine types available, most people only need one or two doses for long-lasting protection. Learn if you’re eligible and how to get vaccinated.

What is pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease refers to a group of infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. These bacteria can invade different parts of the body and cause serious illnesses like pneumonia (lung infection), meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord), and bacteremia (bloodstream infection). The disease spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

While some pneumococcal infections are mild, invasive pneumococcal disease can lead to long-term complications or be life-threatening—particularly for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Pneumococcal vs. pneumonia

Pneumonia is a type of lung infection—and pneumococcal bacteria are one of its most common causes. However, not all pneumonia is pneumococcal, and not all pneumococcal disease leads to pneumonia. Pneumococcal disease also includes infections of the blood, brain, ears, and sinuses, and its impact can be more severe than typical respiratory illnesses.

Who is most at risk?

Certain groups are at higher risk for developing pneumococcal disease, including:

• Children under age 5, especially infants
• Adults aged 50 and older, especially 65+
• People with chronic conditions like heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• People with cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid leaks
• Smokers and those with alcohol use disorders

Some racial and ethnic groups, including Alaska Native, African American, and certain American Indian populations, also face a higher risk, though the exact reasons are still being studied.

Pneumococcal vaccine efficacy

Pneumococcal vaccines are highly effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease and its complications.

• Among children under age 5, vaccine introduction has reduced invasive disease by over 95%
• PCV20 has shown strong protection against 20 serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria
• PPSV23 provides additional coverage for adults with high-risk conditions
• Pneumococcal pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis can be fatal—vaccination significantly reduces this risk

While vaccines don’t prevent all pneumococcal infections, they dramatically lower the risk of severe outcomes, hospitalizations, and death.

Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine?

The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for:

• Children under age 5: PCV15 or PCV20 given in a 4-dose series
• Adults 50 and older: One dose of PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21
• Adults aged 19–49 with certain risk conditions: Such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or immunocompromising conditions
• Adults receiving PCV15: A follow-up dose of PPSV23 may be needed one year later

Vaccination timing depends on age, medical conditions, and prior immunization history. Talk to your provider about the right schedule for you.

Who should not get the vaccine?

You should not get a pneumococcal vaccine if you:

• Had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose or any component of the vaccine
• Are younger than 2 years old (for PPSV23 only)
• Have a severe allergy to diphtheria toxoid (used in some PCVs)

If you’re moderately or severely ill, your provider may recommend waiting until you recover to receive the vaccine.