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Pneumococcal Shot

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KEY POINTS

  • The pneumococcal shot protects you against the bacteria called pneumococci that can cause dangerous infections in the lungs, blood, and brain.
  • The pneumococcal shot is recommended for all adults 65 and older. Your healthcare provider may also recommend the shot if you are younger than 65 and have a serious health condition.
  • It takes 2 to 3 weeks after you get the shot before you are protected from getting sick.
  • You can get the shot at your healthcare provider's office or at most local health departments.

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What is the pneumococcal shot?

The pneumococcal shot protects you against the bacteria called pneumococci. These bacteria are spread from person to person. They can cause pneumonia and dangerous infections in the blood and brain.

Pneumococcal disease can happen after an illness such as a cold or the flu. The risk of a serious infection is greater if you have a chronic disease or are over age 65. Pneumococcal disease is hard to treat. Many antibiotics that worked in past years no longer work. This makes prevention very important.

Who should have the shot?

The pneumococcal shot is recommended for all adults 65 and older. Your healthcare provider may also recommend the shot if you are younger than 65 and have a serious health condition such as:

  • Lung, liver, or kidney disease
  • Sickle cell disease
  • An immune system problem such as type 1 diabetes or lupus
  • An organ transplant

Talk to your provider to see if you are at risk and should have this shot before age 65. Check with your healthcare provider before getting the shot if you:

  • Are ill or have a fever
  • Are pregnant
  • Know you are allergic to the vaccine

Depending on your vaccine history and your medical condition, you may need a “booster” shot one year after the first.

What are possible side effects?

After getting this shot you may have redness, soreness, or swelling in the area where you had the shot. This usually lasts just a day or two. You cannot get a pneumococcal infection from the shot.

What else should I know about this shot?

It takes 2 to 3 weeks after you get the shot before you are protected from getting sick.

Two types of pneumococcal shots are used. Ask your healthcare provider about getting one or both types over several weeks or up to a year apart.

You can get the shot at your healthcare provider's office or at most local health departments. You can have a flu shot and a pneumococcal shot at the same time without increasing the risk for side effects. Check with your healthcare provider about other shots you may need.

You can get more information from:

Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2016.4 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2016-10-18
Last reviewed: 2016-09-26
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2016 RelayHealth, a division of McKesson Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
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