How Often Do You Get a Pneumonia Shot?

Pneumovax^® and Prevnar 13^® are the two vaccines currently used to prevent pneumonia. Many people considering a pneumonia shot wonder how often they need to get it. The answer will depend on which vaccine you are getting.

For example, Pneumovax is typically given as a single dose. However, in some high-risk individuals, a second dose may be recommended, five years after the first. This vaccine is generally recommended for use in people who are at least 65 years old. Prevnar 13 is the pneumonia vaccine recommended for small children (Prevnar 13 is the "new-and-improved" version of Prevnar).

The ideal vaccination schedule for this product is as follows:

First dose -- 2 months old
Second dose -- 4 months old
Third dose -- 6 months old
Fourth dose -- 12 to 15 months old.

The first injection can be given as early as six weeks of age, and there should be at least four to eight weeks in between the doses. The fourth injection should be given at least two months after the third one.

In 2012, Prevnar 13 was also approved for use in adults age 50 and older. In this case, it is given as a single shot.

(Click Pneumonia Vaccine Dosage for more details on how often you should get the pneumonia shot. This article describes the dosing schedules for Prevnar and Pneumovax in greater detail.)