Understanding the pneumococcal vaccine

More than 150,000 people are hospitalized with pneumonia each year, leading to roughly 41,000 deaths from the disease or related complications. The good news is there’s a vaccine designed to help reduce these numbers.

“Studies have shown that getting the pneumonia vaccine helps to prevent the most common type of bacterial pneumonia in many adults and this leads to less hospitalizations, missed days of work and death due to the infection,” says IU Health South Region emergency medicine provider, Robert (Bob) Adams, DO.

Learn more in the Q&A below.

Why should I get the pneumococcal vaccine?

The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for all adults over the age of 50, especially those with other medical issues.

Individuals with chronic health conditions like lung disease, heart disease and diabetes are at higher risk of developing severe and potentially life-threatening complications if they develop pneumonia.

Getting vaccinated lowers your risk of being infected.

What is pneumonia and how can you get it?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue most commonly caused by bacteria and viruses such as influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and in some cases fungi.

Where can I get the vaccine?

The pneumococcal vaccine is available at primary care offices, IU Health walk-in offices, various express care locations and many local pharmacies.

Are there any side effects of the vaccine?

“This is a very safe vaccine with a proven track record of safety and efficacy,” said Dr. Adams.

He shared that individuals may experience mild side effects for a few days, including soreness at the injection site, fatigue, low-grade fever and muscle aches.

To determine if the pneumococcal vaccine is right for you, speak with your primary care provider.

Source: Nine Things to Know About Pneumonia on World Pneumonia Day | American Lung Association.