Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for all adults age 65 years and older.
Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection that causes pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infection, as well as other less severe illnesses.
Pneumococcal pneumonia hospitalizes about 150,000 people in the US each year, killing about 5 percent-7 percent, or between 7,500 and 10,500 of them. The death rate is even higher among adults age 65 years and older and people with underlying health conditions.
Fewer adults get pneumococcal meningitis or bloodstream infection, but the mortality rate for these infections is higher, even with proper treatment. Pneumococcal meningitis kills about 1 in 6 older patients and blood infection kills about 1 in 8 adults who have these diseases.
Who Should Be Vaccinated and Which Vaccines Do They Need?
Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for all adults age 65 years and older.
All adults age 65 years and older who did not previously receive a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) should receive one dose of PCV (either PCV20 or PCV15). When PCV15 is used, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23.
CDC offers additional guidance.
Pneumococcal Disease and Influenza
Having influenza (flu) increases the risk of getting pneumococcal disease so protection against pneumococcal disease is especially important during flu season. If both vaccines are due, they can be administered during the same healthcare visit.
Reviewed February 2023
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