Pneumonia Vaccine Quiz

The most common bacteria to cause pneumonia are Streptococcus pneumoniae, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These bacteria are also called pneumococcal bacteria. This same kind of bacteria can also cause illness elsewhere in the body. If the bacteria enter the blood, they cause a serious illness called bacteremia. If they attack the brain, the illness is called meningitis.

Usually one dose of pneumonia vaccine is all that is needed. This vaccine protects against pneumococcal pneumonia. The vaccine is recommended for all people older than 65, as well as young children and adults with certain chronic illnesses. The vaccine's protection usually lasts more than six years, the CDC says. Sometimes a booster may be needed five years after the first dose. This is true for people who were vaccinated before age 65.

Experts recommend that all older adults get a pneumonia vaccination. This is true even if they have had pneumonia before. That's because there are many kinds of pneumonia. Having one kind doesn't protect you against getting another kind.

All people older than 65 should get this vaccine. The CDC and other experts now recommend that other people also get this vaccine: children under age 2; children under age 5 with certain chronic illnesses; children ages 2 to 5 who are African American or American Indian, in group child care, have social or economic disadvantages, or have frequent ear infections; adults with chronic health conditions, including heart disease, lung disease or diabetes; adults with a weakened immune system or an autoimmune disease; adults with kidney disease or kidney transplant; adults with spleen problems; adults who are alcoholics; and adults living in long-term care facilities. Talk to your health care provider if you think you should get this vaccine.

That's because the vaccine is not made from whole bacteria. It is made from pieces that are not infectious. Side effects from the pneumonia shot are mild. These include some swelling and soreness at the site of the shot.

Up to 30 percent of those 65 and older who have pneumococcal pneumonia also develop bacteremia. Of those, 20 percent die from bacteremia (bacteria in the blood). This occurs even though they are given antibiotics.

That's when other respiratory diseases like the common cold and the flu are also more common.