Pneumonia Vaccine Guidelines 2023

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently updated their recommendations for the pneumonia vaccine. If you’re 65 or older, you should get two pneumococcal vaccines – Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Getting both vaccines provides the best protection against pneumonia caused by 13 different strains of the bacteria. The new guidelines recommend getting Prevnar 13 first, followed by Pneumovax 23 at least one year later.

Adults ages 19-64 with certain health issues like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or smokers also need vaccination. The recommendation is to get Prevnar 13 now, followed by Pneumovax 23 at least one year later. Getting immunized, especially if you have a weakened immune system, is critical to avoiding a potentially life-threatening bout with pneumonia.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not contraindications for getting the pneumonia vaccine. The vaccines are not live, so they pose no harm to a developing baby. However, as a precaution, some doctors prefer to administer the vaccines shortly after delivery or when a woman is no longer breastfeeding. Discuss your options with your doctor.

For most adults, revaccination with Pneumovax 23 is recommended after 5 years. Individuals 65 and older or with certain medical conditions may benefit from more frequent revaccination. Talk to your doctor about a schedule that’s right for your situation.

Who Should Get the Pneumococcal Vaccines?

The two pneumococcal vaccines, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) are recommended for certain high-risk groups. If you fall into any of these categories, you should get vaccinated.

1. Adults 65 years and older. As you get older, your immune system weakens, putting you at higher risk of pneumococcal disease and its complications. The CDC recommends all adults 65 and over get both PCV13 and PPSV23.
2. Those with certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart problems, lung disease, kidney disease, cochlear implants, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks. These conditions or treatments make you more prone to infections. Talk to your doctor about getting the pneumonia vaccines.
3. Smokers or those with a history of heavy alcohol use. Both smoking and excessive alcohol use damage your lungs and weaken your immune system. You should get vaccinated, especially as you age.
4. Those living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities. Close living quarters mean infections can spread more easily. Make sure you get both PCV13 and PPSV23.
5. Alaskan Natives and certain indigenous peoples. Some native populations have higher rates of pneumococcal disease. The CDC advises these groups get both pneumococcal vaccines.
6. Those with a weakened immune system like HIV or cancer. If your immune system is compromised, you need the added protection from the vaccines. Discuss with your doctor the best schedule for you based on your condition.

Pneumonia Vaccination Schedule for Adults

The CDC recently updated their recommendations for the pneumonia vaccination schedule for adults.

Here’s what you need to know to make sure your immunizations are up to date:

1. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)

PCV13 protects against 13 of the most common types of pneumococcal bacteria that cause pneumonia. The CDC now recommends all adults 65 years and older receive a PCV13 shot. If you haven’t had a pneumonia vaccine before, you’ll get a single dose of PCV13 first.

2. Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)

PPSV23 protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria and is also recommended for adults 65 and older. You’ll get a PPSV23 shot at least one year after your PCV13 shot. For most older adults, a single dose of PPSV23 is needed to ensure maximum protection. However, a second PPSV23 shot may be recommended for those with certain chronic illnesses like heart or lung disease. Check with your doctor about whether a booster PPSV23 shot is right for you based on your medical conditions.

Some important points to keep in mind:

1. Both PCV13 and PPSV23 provide protection against pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria, but they protect against different strains. Getting both vaccines provides the most comprehensive protection.
2. If you’ve had pneumonia before or are at high risk due to health conditions like diabetes or COPD, vaccination is especially important. Pneumonia can be a serious disease and vaccination helps prevent repeat infection and complications.
3. The side effects of pneumonia vaccination are usually mild, including soreness at the injection site, muscle pain, fatigue, and headache. Severe allergic reactions are rare.
4. Medicare Part B covers the cost of both PCV13 and PPSV23 with no out-of-pocket costs to you. Private insurance also typically covers pneumonia immunizations at 100%.
5. You should get revaccinated with PPSV23 five years after your first PPSV23 shot, and then again five years after that to maintain optimal immunity against pneumococcal disease as you age.

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Conclusion

Talk to your doctor right away about getting fully vaccinated against pneumonia. Protection from this potentially life-threatening infection is too important to delay. Staying up to date with the recommended immunization schedule will help ensure you stay as healthy as possible in your golden years.