How long does a pneumonia vaccine shot last?

A pneumonia vaccine shot may last you a lifetime, but it depends on:

• Your age
• Which type of vaccine you get
• Your overall health

Certain groups of people may need the vaccine more than once in their lifetime.

A vaccination can help prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcus bacteria. These bacteria are the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Even if it does not prevent pneumococcal pneumonia, a vaccine may reduce complications and make the infection shorter and milder.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious and sometimes life-threatening infection. There are two types of vaccine for this infection:

• PCV13 helps to prevent 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
• PPSV23 helps to prevent 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.

People at highest risk for pneumococcal pneumonia are people over age 65, people with long-term medical conditions, people with weak immune systems and people who smoke.

Adults 19 years and older should get PCV13 if they have a weak immune system or certain other conditions, such as spinal fluid leakage or cochlear implants. Adults aged 65 and older who have never been vaccinated may also get this vaccine. It may be given before the other pneumonia vaccine.

All adults ages 65 and older, adults ages 19 years and older who have certain long-term conditions (such as spinal fluid leakage or cochlear implants), and adults 19 years and older who smoke cigarettes should get the PPSV23 vaccine. Depending on your age, health and medical conditions, you may need this vaccine one to three times during your life.

The flu may also lead to pneumonia, so getting the flu vaccine can help reduce your risk of pneumonia caused by the flu virus. The flu shot vaccine is different every year and only lasts for one year or less.

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