UptoDatePatient information, lightly edited. Based on current evidence I will get one at age 65.
Rich
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Pneumonia prevention
Author
Patricia L Hibberd, MD, PhD
Section Editor
John G Bartlett, MD
Deputy Editor
Anna R Thorner, MD
...
INTRODUCTION — The most common cause of pneumonia in the United States is the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus. The pneumococcal vaccine is the best way to prevent infection with pneumococcus. The influenza vaccine can also help to prevent pneumonia, which can develop as a complication of the flu....
This topic discusses the pneumococcal vaccine, including who should be vaccinated and the potential benefit of vaccination. Symptoms and treatment of pneumonia are discussed separately....
PNEUMONIA VACCINE — The pneumococcal vaccine protects against the most common types of pneumococcal bacteria. Protection against pneumococcus has become more important as difficult to treat strains of pneumococcus have emerged.
Types of vaccine — There are two types of pneumococcal vaccine available in the United States, PPSV23 (
pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine 23) and PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine13).
- PCV13 is recommended for children. Four doses are given at age 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months. ....
- PPSV23 is recommended for everyone older than 65 years old, as well as for anyone over age 2 years who is at high-risk for pneumonia.
Who needs vaccination? — Current guidelines recommend giving one dose of the pneumococcal vaccine to everyone aged 65 years or older if they have not previously been vaccinated. For people who were given the vaccine before age 65, a one-time revaccination is recommended after 5 years.
Younger people who are at risk of pneumococcal disease includes people with diabetes mellitus, heart and lung disease, alcoholism, liver disease, cochlear implants, those with a weakened immune system, adults who smoke cigarettes, and people living in special environments (eg, nursing home residents).
Those aged 2 to 64 years who are at risk for pneumonia should be given the vaccine when the need for immunization is recognized. Women who are pregnant or who intend to become pregnant should speak to their healthcare provider about the safety of the vaccine.
Anyone who develops pneumococcal pneumonia who has not been vaccinated previously should be vaccinated; infection with one strain of the bacteria does not necessarily protect the person against infection with other strains.
Need for booster vaccination — The need for a one-time booster vaccine depends up an individual's circumstances.
Benefits — The pneumococcal vaccine cannot prevent all cases of pneumonia. However, evidence suggests that people who are vaccinated against pneumococcal infection and then become infected with the pneumococcal bacteria generally have a milder and shorter infection with fewer serious complications than those who are unvaccinated. Thus, anyone who is at high-risk for either pneumonia or influenza should discuss the benefits of vaccination with their healthcare provider...
and it will take 3 strong men to keep me away from getting a flu shot. Sheesh!
) as of last year before I went on that Mediterranean cruise with ex-dh2b. Funny how things can change so quickly. 
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