From the Guidelines
No, pneumonia vaccines are not given just once for life. The most recent guidelines from 2024 1 recommend a series of vaccinations for different age groups and risk categories. For adults aged 65 and older, the options for vaccination include a single dose of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15, with or without a dose of PPSV23, depending on their previous vaccination history.
- Key factors to consider when determining the appropriate vaccination schedule include:
- Age: adults 65 and older, adults 19-64 with immunocompromising conditions, or those with chronic medical conditions
- Previous vaccination history: PCV7, PCV13, PCV15, PCV20, PCV21, or PPSV23
- Underlying medical conditions: immunocompromising conditions, chronic heart disease, chronic liver disease, chronic lung disease, or diabetes mellitus
- Risk factors: smoking, alcoholism, or cochlear implant The protection from these vaccines can diminish over time, which is why different age groups and risk categories have specific recommendations. The vaccines work by helping your immune system develop antibodies against Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which cause many pneumonia cases. Your healthcare provider can determine the appropriate pneumonia vaccination schedule based on your age, health status, and previous vaccination history, as outlined in the 2024 guidelines 1.
From the Research
Pneumonia Vaccine Administration
- The pneumonia vaccine is not given one time for life, as booster doses are often required to maintain immunity 2, 3, 4.
- The recommended vaccination schedule varies depending on age, health status, and other factors, with some vaccines requiring multiple doses administered over a period of time 3, 5.
Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety
- Studies have shown that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, such as PCV13, can be effective in preventing pneumococcal disease in adults aged 65 years and older, but the effectiveness may decrease over time 2, 4.
- The safety profiles of PCV13 and other pneumococcal vaccines have been evaluated in clinical trials, with results indicating that they are generally well-tolerated in adults aged 65 years and older 6, 5.
Vaccination Recommendations
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine use of PCV13 among adults aged 65 years and older, administered in series with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) 5.
- The ACIP also provides guidance on the use of PCV13 and PPSV23 among adults aged 65 years and older, including recommendations for vaccination schedules and booster doses 5.