What should you know about lifetime pneumonia vaccine?

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by different bacteria, viruses or fungi. A pneumonia vaccine targets particular germs, so it cannot prevent every case. Protection may be especially relevant for older adults, young children and people with conditions or treatments that weaken immune defences.

Whether one dose is enough, or whether another dose is advised later, depends on the product used, your age, medical history, immune status and previous vaccinations. A vaccine does not treat pneumonia that is already present.

Ask a clinician or pharmacist to check your vaccination record and recommend a schedule suited to you. Mention pregnancy, immune problems, absent or poorly functioning spleen, chronic heart or lung disease, allergies and any previous reaction to a vaccine. After vaccination, mild soreness, tiredness or a low fever can occur; follow the advice given for comfort and monitoring.

Seek urgent medical care for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, chest pain, or a rapidly worsening illness. Fever, chills, cough or coughing up phlegm can occur with pneumonia and should be assessed when significant, persistent or accompanied by breathlessness. A serious infection can progress to sepsis, which requires emergency treatment.

Ask which pneumonia vaccine applies to you, whether you need a later dose, how your conditions affect timing, and which reactions are expected. Confirm what symptoms after vaccination or during a respiratory illness should trigger a call.