Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can develop as a result of a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. Anyone can get pneumonia, but people aged 65 are at increased risk.
Today, there are a few different pneumonia shots available, and the right one depends on your age and vaccine history. In the United States, older adults can get pneumonia or pneumococcal vaccines that protect against different types of bacteria that cause pneumonia.
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for adults 50 years or older. Some seniors aged 65 years and older may also have the option to get additional pneumococcal vaccines based on their health history. This decision should be made with a doctor or other qualified health care provider.
In this article, we’ll cover the risk factors and symptoms of pneumonia, what type of vaccines are available, how often you need vaccination, and how to talk to your doctor about protecting yourself against pneumonia.
Key takeaways
Adults aged 50 and older should receive a recommended single dose of the pneumococcal vaccine if they haven’t already.
If you live in a nursing home, long-term care facility, or live with a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease, supplemental vaccination is recommended after age 65.
It’s important to talk with your doctor to confirm which pneumonia vaccine you need and when.
Risk factors for pneumonia
Seniors aged 65 and older have an increased risk of developing pneumonia, and your risk increases as you continue to age.
But other factors can also increase your risk, including:
Chronic heart disease
Chronic liver disease
Chronic lung disease
Diabetes
Weakened immune system (either as a result of a chronic condition or a medication)
Excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking cigarettes
Exposure to people who are sick
What causes pneumonia?
Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. A variety of infections can also cause pneumonia, including:
COVID-19
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV)
Influenza (flu)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Rhinovirus
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Pneumococcal disease
Fungal infections (less common)
Pneumonia symptoms
Pneumonia can cause symptoms similar to cold and flu symptoms, including:
Cough
Fatigue
Fever
Chills
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Shortness of breath
Chest pain when breathing or coughing
Altered mental status
However, it’s important to note that common symptoms of pneumonia, such as a fever and a cough with phlegm, may be less severe in older adults as compared to younger people.
In fact, data from one 2025 review suggests that half of the older patients hospitalized for pneumonia aren’t initially diagnosed with pneumonia based on symptoms alone.
Types of pneumonia vaccines for seniors
There are two types of pneumonia vaccines (called pneumococcal vaccines) that protect against different types of pneumococcal bacteria:
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs): These vaccines help your immune system build strong, lasting protection:
PCV15
PCV20
PCV21
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine: This vaccine protects against additional types of pneumococcal bacteria:
PPSV23
Your doctor can review your vaccine history and help you decide which option is right for you.
Current CDC recommendations for seniors (2025)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults aged 50 or older receive a single dose of either the PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21 vaccine if they have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or if their vaccine history is unknown.
If you receive the PCV15 vaccine, the CDC recommends getting a single dose of PPSV23 one year later.
According to recommendations from 2024, the PCV21 vaccine is expected to protect against more circulating pneumococcal bacteria types than other PCV vaccines.
How often do you need pneumonia shots after 65?
After the age of 65, seniors who previously completed the pneumococcal vaccine series at or after age 50 have the option of supplemental vaccination with the PCV20 or PCV21 vaccine.
Whether or not to get supplemental pneumococcal vaccination is a personal decision that should be discussed with your doctor.
Which pneumonia vaccine schedule is right for you?
According to the CDC, adults aged 50 and older should receive a single dose of a PCV vaccine (and one follow-up dose of PPSV23 a year later if they originally received the PCV15 vaccine) to protect against pneumonia.
Some adults may benefit from additional vaccination after age 65, but this will depend on your unique health history and living circumstances.
Should I talk to my doctor about pneumonia vaccines?
Yes. It's important to talk to your doctor about your vaccine history and individual risk for pneumonia. A provider who knows your health history can help you decide which pneumonia vaccine, if any, is right for you. They can also answer questions about timing and follow-up doses.
Which factors can influence vaccine choice?
Several factors can influence your doctor’s decision to recommend supplemental pneumococcal vaccination after the age of 65.
Individuals who may benefit from additional pneumococcal vaccination after the age of 65 include those who:
Live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
Live in areas with low pediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccine uptake
Have an immunocompromising health condition
Have a cochlear implant
Have a cerebrospinal fluid leak
Have a history of alcoholism
Have chronic heart, liver or lung disease
Smoke cigarettes
Have diabetes
Bottom line
The CDC recommends that adults aged 50 and older receive a single dose of a PCV pneumococcal vaccine. If you received the PCV15 vaccine at age 50 or older, the CDC recommends a follow-up single-dose vaccination of the PPSV23 vaccine one year later.
Seniors aged 65 and older also have the option to receive supplemental vaccination in the form of a single-dose of either the PCV20 or PCV21 vaccine after completing the series at age 50.
It's important to consult with your health care provider about whether or not supplemental pneumococcal vaccination after age 65 is right for you.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, October 17). Risk factors for pneumonia. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/risk-factors/index.html
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). (2021, May 18). Pneumonia: Learn More – Pneumonia in older people: What you should know. InformedHealth.org - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525776/
Putot, A., Garin, N., Rello, J., & Prendki, V. (2025). Comprehensive management of pneumonia in older patients. European Journal of Internal Medicine, 135, 14–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2025.02.025
Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations. (2024, October 26). Pneumococcal Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/hcp/vaccine-recommendations/index.html
Kobayashi, M., Leidner, A. J., Gierke, R., Xing, W., Accorsi, E., Moro, P., Kamboj, M., Kuchel, G. A., Schechter, R., Loehr, J., & Cohen, A. L. (2025). Expanded recommendations for use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines among adults aged ≥50 years: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2024. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 74(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7401a1
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. (2024). Shared Clinical Decision-Making PCV20 or PCV21 vaccination for adults 65 years or older. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/downloads/job-aid-SCDM-pneumococcal-508.pdf
