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Who Needs a Pneumonia Vaccine and How Often?

Irving Coppell Primary Care and Pediatrics Blog Who Needs a Pneumonia Vaccine and How Often?
Who Needs a Pneumonia Vaccine and How Often?

Pneumonia infects more than 900,000 people in the United States every year, often leading to severe health complications. Many of these cases could be prevented with a simple pneumococcal vaccine. The team at Irving Coppell Primary Care provides the pneumococcal vaccine along with other essential immunizations to protect vulnerable children, adults, and seniors from serious diseases.

Here’s why immunization against pneumonia is so important and who should prioritize getting it.

Keep children safe from pneumonia

Vaccines are a key part of pediatric healthcare, protecting children from life-threatening illnesses like polio, measles, and whooping cough. The pneumococcal vaccine is no exception, offering critical protection against pneumonia, which can be particularly severe for young children with underdeveloped immune systems.

Infants between six weeks and two years benefit from the PCV13 vaccine, which guards against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria. By immunizing babies and toddlers, families not only protect their children but also help prevent the spread of infections to others in their household.

Vaccinating children early can reduce the risk of severe disease, long-term complications, and death, making it a vital step in safeguarding their health.

Seniors also benefit from pneumonia vaccines

For adults aged 65 and older, the risk of pneumonia and its complications rises significantly. The PCV23 vaccine provides robust protection against 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria, helping older adults avoid severe respiratory infections that can lead to hospitalization.

Those who have never received a pneumococcal vaccine may need two doses for comprehensive coverage. With an effectiveness rate of about 80% in healthy older adults, the PCV23 vaccine is a powerful tool to maintain health and prevent serious illness.

Unlike annual flu or COVID-19 vaccines, the pneumococcal vaccine requires just one or two doses to provide long-term protection, making it an easy and effective preventive measure.

High-risk groups need the vaccine, too

Though age is a key factor in determining the need for a pneumonia vaccine, certain health conditions also make you more vulnerable to the disease. People with the following risk factors should consider vaccination:

Additionally, we recommend anyone undergoing treatments that weaken their immune systems, such as chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy, get vaccinated.

If you’re uncertain whether your health condition makes you more susceptible to pneumonia, our team can assess your risk and recommend the right vaccination strategy.

Be smart, protect your health

Vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent pneumonia and its complications. Whether for your child, an older loved one, or yourself, the pneumococcal vaccine offers peace of mind and essential protection.

Contact Irving Coppell Primary Care to learn more about the pneumococcal vaccine and schedule your appointment today. Call the office, or use this website to schedule a visit.

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