Pneumonia is a disease that most commonly occurs in young children under the age of two, as well as adults over the age of 65. People most susceptible to pneumonia must get a pneumonia vaccination or shot.
Pneumonia shots are also recommended for people between the ages of two and 64 if they have certain medical conditions such as chronic illnesses or certain conditions that weaken the immune system. Patients who have cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid leaks must also consider getting the shot. People who smoke cigarettes are also advised to get a pneumonia vaccination.
Types of Pneumonia Shot
There are two pneumonia vaccinations available in the United States that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or 13®) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23 or Pneumovax23®).
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is given by a doctor to children at the ages of two, four, six, and 12 to 15 months. Adults who require this vaccination only need to get one dose. This vaccination helps to prevent pneumonia caused by 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is for adults. This vaccine is available as a single dose injection, which a medical profession needs to administer. This vaccination helps to prevent pneumonia caused by 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
A pneumonia shot does not completely prevent pneumonia from occurring. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine will prevent pneumonia in approximately eight out of 10 babies and 75 out of 100 adults of 65 years or older.
One dose of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine can protect between 50 to 85 in 100 healthy adults against invasive pneumococcal disease.
Side effects of the pneumonia shot may include fever, headaches, chills, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
It is important to talk with your doctor or a professional healthcare provider to determine whether you need to get a pneumonia shot.
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