11/10/2025
Pneumonia is a respiratory infection when the air sacs of the lungs become inflamed and may fill with fluid or pus. This can lead cough, fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the pneumococcal (pneumonia-preventing) vaccination is recommended for children younger than 5 years old and adults 50 years or older. The CDC also recommends the vaccine for children and adults who may be at an increased risk for pneumococcal disease, such as those who have immunocompromising or chronic conditions.
Currently, there are four vaccines recommended for protection against pneumococcal disease in the United States. More than 80% of healthy adults who receive the PPSV23 pneumonia vaccine develop protective antibodies usually within 2-3 weeks after the vaccination. In healthy adults, these antibody levels can last for up to 5 years. Overall, the vaccine is estimated to be about 60-70% effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease caused by the strains it covers.
If you have questions about the pneumococcal vaccine, consult with your physician.
