Pneumonia

Why should I get the pneumonia vaccine?

Pneumonia is a serious disease that often causes sickness or death. It is also a leading complication of the flu. There are numerous strains of pneumonia, caused by both viruses and bacteria. The pneumonia vaccine can protect against a bacterial strain of pneumonia.

About one out of every 20 people who get pneumonia dies from it. Some strains of pneumococcal bacteria (which causes pneumonia) are becoming resistant to antibiotics such as penicillin. So prevention of pneumonia is important.  

How much vaccine does the Health Department have?

The Health Department regularly stocks the pneumonia vaccine at each of its county health centers in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton counties. Many area doctors also have the pneumonia vaccine.   

Who is considered high-risk?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the following groups should get the pneumonia vaccine:

• All adults 65 years or older
• Anyone over 2 years of ages who has a long-term health problem, such as:
  • Heart disease
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Alcoholism
  • Lung disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cirrhosis
• Anyone over 2 years of age who has a disease or condition that lowers the body's resistance to infection, such as:
  • Kidney failure
  • Organ transplant
  • Leukemia
  • HIV/AIDS
• Anyone over 2 years of age who is taking any drug treatment that lowers the body's resistance to infection, such as:
  • Long-term steroids
  • Radiation therapy
  • Certain cancer drugs
• Alaskan natives and certain Native American populations 
  

When should I get the pneumonia vaccine?

The pneumonia vaccine can be given at any time of year.
 

The pneumonia vaccine does not need to be given each year. Usually, only one dose is needed at age 65 or older. However, if you have a chronic health condition, check with your doctor to find out if you need to be revaccinated. 

What does the pneumonia vaccine protect against?

There are numerous strains of pneumonia. The vaccine protects against one bacterial strain, streptococcus pneumoniae.  

How much does the vaccine cost?

The Health Department charges $25 for the pneumonia vaccine. Medicare and Medicaid are accepted.  

How is pneumonia spread?

Pneumonia can be spread through the air by an infected person, generally through coughing.  

I’ve been vaccinated against the flu. Should I still get the pneumonia vaccine?

You can be vaccinated for both flu and pneumonia.  If you are over age 65 or have a chronic medical condition, check with your doctor about getting the pneumonia vaccine. 

How serious is pneumonia?

Each year, an estimated 2.5 million cases of pneumonia and 500,000 pneumonia-related hospitalizations occur in the United States.

Doctors are required to report certain types of pneumonia to the Health Department, generally streptococcal pneumonia. Exact numbers of cases of pneumonia are unavailable.  

How many people have been vaccinated against pneumonia? 

The CDC estimates only 63 percent of adults age 65 and over have been vaccinated against pneumonia.

Where can I get more information on the pneumonia?

For more information online, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control’s National Vaccination Program.

Or, you can call the Health Department's Epidemiology Services at 859.363.2070.