What should you know about different pneumonia vaccines?

Pneumonia is a lung infection with several possible causes. Some vaccines target pneumococcal bacteria, while other vaccines help prevent illnesses such as influenza or COVID-19 that can lead to pneumonia. These vaccines are not a treatment for pneumonia that has already started, and one product does not cover every possible cause.

The recommended product and timing can depend on age, pregnancy, immune function, chronic heart or lung disease, and earlier vaccination. Keeping records matters because doses may be spaced apart or combined with other preventive care.

Ask a clinician to review your vaccination history and medical conditions. Before the appointment, report a previous severe reaction and any current illness. After vaccination, temporary soreness, tiredness, headache, chills, or fever may occur. Follow the aftercare advice provided, and remember that vaccination does not replace prompt assessment of breathing symptoms.

Get urgent medical help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, chest pain, or difficulty staying awake. Fever, cough, chills, or coughing up phlegm can occur with pneumonia and warrant medical advice when they are significant, worsening, or accompanied by breathing difficulty. Severe infection can progress to sepsis, so do not wait if you feel rapidly worse.

Which pneumonia-related vaccines are suitable for me? Do I also need seasonal influenza or COVID-19 vaccination? Could my medicines or a past reaction affect the timing?