Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for adults age 50 years and older.
Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection that causes pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infection, as well as other less severe illnesses.
Fewer adults get pneumococcal meningitis or bloodstream infection (bacteremia), but the mortality rate for these infections is high, even with proper treatment. Pneumococcal meningitis kills about 1 in 6 older patients and bacteremia kills about 1 in 8 adults who are infected. Both conditions can also result in lifelong disability including deafness, brain damage, and limb amputation.
Who Should Be Vaccinated?
Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for adults age 50 years and older.
All adults age 65 years and older who did not previously receive a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) should receive 1 dose of PCV (PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15). When PCV15 is used, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23.
CDC offers additional guidance on pneumococcal vaccination for adults.
Updated October 2024
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Related Resources
Are You at Risk for Pneumococcal Disease?
Infographic on adults who are at risk for pneumococcal disease
Top 5 Reasons for Adults to Get Vaccinated for Pneumococcal Disease
Fact sheet on the importance of preventing pneumococcal disease in adults
