Is there a Vaccine for Pneumonia ?

Is there a vaccine for pneumonia?

There isn’t a vaccine for all types of pneumonia, but 2 vaccines are available. The first is called the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). It is recommended for all children younger than 5 years of age. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) is recommended for children 2 years of age and older who are at increased risk for pneumonia (such as children who have weakened immune systems), and for adults who have risk factors for pneumonia. This vaccine is recommended if you:

• Are 65 years of age or older
• Smoke
• Abuse alcohol
• Have certain chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease
• Have cirrhosis
• Have a condition that weakens your immune system, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), kidney failure or a damaged spleen
• Have had your spleen removed for any reason
• Have sickle cell disease
• Have cochlear implants (an electronic device that helps you hear)
• Are taking medicine for a recent organ transplant (these medicines suppress your immune system)
• Are receiving chemotherapy

The pneumococcal vaccines can’t prevent all cases of pneumonia. But they can make it less likely that people who are at risk will experience the severe, and possibly life-threatening, complications of pneumonia.

Source : familydoctor.org