The pneumococcal vaccine protects you from severe bacterial infection.
Bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus, can cause infections in the blood, brain, ears, nose or lungs. Some of these infections can be life threatening, especially for children and seniors, as well as adults with certain medical conditions.Vaccines protect against most types of pneumococcal bacteria, and are the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease.
Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine?
Children under 5, Seniors over 65, and those with certain medical conditions should get the vaccine.
Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but some people, like children and seniors, are at increased risk. In addition, those with medical conditions like chronic heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes, weakened immune system, cochlear implants, CSF leak, or sickle cell disease are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease and should get vaccinated. Adults who are smokers or have alcoholism are also at increased risk.
Find more information at cdc.gov/pneumococcal