Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal disease is contagious, meaning it spreads from person to person. It can lead to different kinds of health problems — including serious infections in the lungs, lining of the brain and spinal cord, and blood.

Pneumococcal disease is especially dangerous for babies, older adults, and people with certain health conditions.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease.

Pneumococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria. Some people get the germs that cause pneumococcal disease, but don’t get sick — these people are called “carriers.” But others may get ear infections and sinus infections. And sometimes, pneumococcal disease can lead to serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, and sepsis.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause symptoms like:

• Fever and chills
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing

Older adults with pneumonia may also feel confused or have low alertness (not be fully aware of what’s happening around them).

Meningitis is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It can cause symptoms like:

• Fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Feeling confused

Babies may have other symptoms, like being less active than usual, fussing, throwing up, and not wanting to eat.

Bacteremia is an infection of the bloodstream that can cause symptoms like:

• Fever
• Chills
• Low alertness (not being fully aware of what's happening around you)

Sepsis is the body’s extreme reaction to an infection. It can cause symptoms like:

• Fast heart rate or low blood pressure
• Fever, chills, or feeling very cold
• Feeling confused
• Shortness of breath
• Severe pain or discomfort

Pneumococcal bacteria spread through droplets in the air — like when someone who has the bacteria in their nose or throat coughs or sneezes. Learn more about pneumococcal disease.

All infants, young children, and adults age 65 years and older need to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease.

Pneumococcal vaccines are also recommended for people who:

• Have long-term health conditions, like heart disease or asthma
• Have weakened immune systems
• Smoke cigarettes

There are three pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20). The different vaccines are recommended for different people based on their age and medical status.

PCV13

• Infants and young children usually need 4 doses of PCV13, at ages 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months.
• Older children (through age 59 months) may be vaccinated with PCV13 if they did not receive the recommended doses.
• Children and adolescents 6–18 years of age with certain medical conditions should receive a single dose of PCV13 if they did not already receive PCV13.

PCV15 or PCV20

• Adults 19 through 64 years old with certain medical conditions or other risk factors who have not already received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine should receive either:
  • a single dose of PCV15 followed by a dose of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), or
  • a single dose of PCV20.
• Adults 65 years or older who have not already received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine should receive either:
  • a single dose of PCV15 followed by a dose of PPSV23, or
  • a single dose of PCV20.

Talk with your doctor about how to protect your family from pneumococcal disease.

You should not get a pneumococcal vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to that particular pneumococcal vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine.

Be sure to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated if you:

• Have serious allergies of any kind
• Are pregnant

If you’re sick, you may need to wait until you’re feeling better to get a pneumococcal vaccine.

Side effects from pneumococcal vaccines are usually mild and go away in a few days.

PCV13 vaccine

In adults, side effects of the PCV13 vaccine may include:

• Pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given
• Fever
• Not feeling hungry
• Feeling tired
• Headache

Side effects in children may include:

• Redness or swelling where the shot was given
• Drowsiness
• Not wanting to eat
• Mild fever
• Fussing

Young children who get the PCV13 vaccine at the same time as the flu shot could be at increased risk for seizures (sudden, unusual movements or behavior) caused by fever.

PPSV23 vaccine

Side effects of the PPSV23 vaccinemay include:

• Pain or redness where the shot was given
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Feeling tired

Like any medicine, there’s a very small chance that pneumococcal vaccines could cause a serious reaction. Keep in mind that getting a pneumococcal vaccine is much safer than getting pneumococcal disease. Learn more about vaccine side effects.

Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) have detailed information about recommended vaccines. Read the VISs for vaccines that protect against pneumococcal disease:

• Read the VIS for the PCV13 vaccine
• Read the VIS for the PPSV23 vaccine
• Find the VIS for the PCV13 vaccine in other languages
• Find the VIS for the PPSV23 vaccine in other languages