Health Information: Pneumonia Shots

The Pneumonia vaccine can help prevent problems from pneumonia. Pneumonia occurs mostly in the winter or spring, but can occur at any time. Symptoms of pneumonia include severe chills, stabbing chest pain, high fever, and cough.

Who Should Get a Pneumonia Shot?

People age 65 and older.
People with chronic heart, lung, or liver disease.
People with diabetes.
People with suppressed immune systems.
People who have had their spleen removed or have sickle cell anemia.
People who have leakage of spinal fluid or a chronic kidney condition that causes loss of protein through urine.
People with organ or bone marrow transplants.
People with chronic kidney failure.

Shot Facts

Fact #1: The best way to protect yourself against pneumococcal disease is to receive the pneumonia shot.

Fact #2: The pneumonia shot is not the same as the flu shot.

Fact #3: The pneumonia shot can be given at the same time as the flu shot or any time during the year.

Fact #4: If you don't know if you've had a pneumonia shot, it is safe and recommended that you get one.

Fact #5: The pneumonia shot does not contain any live bacteria.

Fact #6: The pneumonia shot is fully covered by Medicare Part B.

How Often Do You Need a Pneumonia Shot?

Once after age 65. People who get a shot before age 65 may need a second shot. Check with your doctor.

For More Information

Medicare benefit information: Call toll-free at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov (link opens a new window).
Shot information: Call the CDC National Immunization Hotline toll-free at 1-800-232-2522 (English) or 1-800-232-0233 (Spanish).

The Colorado Foundation for Medical Care (CFMC), the Medicare quality improvement organization for Colorado, prepared this material under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents do not necessarily reflect CMS Policy.