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Get your no-cost pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine today

The pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine is no cost with most insurance plans. Vaccinations vary by state based on regulations. Age and other restrictions apply.* Plus, get a $5 off $20 coupon* for the next time you shop at CVS®.

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An older patient smiles as a provider places a bandage on their arm after getting a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine.

Eligibility information about the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine

As of October 23, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults 50 and older, as well as adults ages 19 through 49 with certain conditions or risk factors, receive a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination.

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What you should know about pneumococcal pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection

Pneumonia can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. You are more likely to get pneumonia if you smoke or have underlying medical conditions, like diabetes or heart disease.

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A vaccine can help prevent pneumonia

Pneumonia vaccines help protect against certain diseases* caused by pneumococcal bacteria, which includes infections like pneumonia and meningitis as well as ear and sinus infections.

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Some are more likely to get infected

The CDC recommends that certain groups get vaccinated:*

  • all children younger than 5 years old
  • adults 50 years or older
  • those ages 5 through 49 who have certain medical conditions or risk factors, including these pictured, among others
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FAQs

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Viruses, bacteria and fungi can all cause pneumonia. Common causes of viral pneumonia are influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). A common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). However, clinicians are not always able to find out which germ caused someone to get sick with pneumonia.

 

Learn more about pneumonia

 

There are four different pneumococcal vaccines available that are currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: PCV15, PCV20, PCV21, and PPSV23*. Choosing which pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine someone should receive can be quite complicated.

You should speak with your pharmacist or other health care provider about which vaccine(s) you should receive and how many doses you may need based on your age, previous vaccination history, risk factors, underlying medical conditions, and sometimes even the risk of exposure to certain bacterial strains based on where someone lives.

For those 65 years of age or older receiving the vaccine for the first time:

  • You will need one to two doses of the vaccine depending on the manufacturer. Two doses usually require a one-year separation. This may vary for patients with immunocompromising conditions, cochlear implants and cerebrospinal fluid leaks. See the source's table on page 2 for details, but the minimum interval between shots is eight weeks. Ultimately, those with such conditions should consult their doctor.

For those who had only one pneumonia vaccine in their lifetime:

  • You may now need an additional vaccination.


For those who had the pneumonia vaccine before they were 65:

  • You may now need one or two additional vaccinations.

Learn more about risk-based pneumococcal vaccination recommendations


Learn more about PCV20 or PCV21 vaccinations for older adults

Learn more pneumococcal vaccine timing for adults 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that these vaccines protect against many, but not all types of pneumococcal bacteria. Also, the protection from these vaccines is good but not 100%. For these two reasons, there is still a chance someone can develop pneumococcal disease after vaccination.

Learn more about pneumonia vaccine effectiveness from the CDC

 

The PCV15, PCV20 and PCV21 vaccines should not be given* to someone who has had any of the following:

  • A life-threatening allergic reaction after any type of PCV vaccine or to any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid (e.g., DTaP)
  • A severe allergy to any part of these vaccines

The PPSV23 vaccine should not be given to anyone who meets the following:

  • Less than 2 years old
  • Had a life-threatening allergic reaction after getting PPSV23 in the past or has a severe allergy to any part of PPSV23

Vaccination with any of the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines should generally be postponed in persons with a moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever.

Learn more about pneumococcal vaccination from the CDC

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some possible side effects that may occur are muscle pain, fatigue, fever, and redness or pain at the site of the vaccination.

Medicare Part B covers preventative care vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal pneumonia at no cost. Medicare Part B also covers hepatitis B vaccines for certain people at no cost. Medicare Part D covers preventative care vaccines for shingles and Tdap at no cost. Certain other vaccines, such as vaccines used for treatment purposes or vaccines not recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), may be covered with cost sharing. Visit Medicare.gov to learn more.

There is currently no wait time between COVID-19 vaccines and pneumonia vaccines. Both immunizations can be given on the same day.
 

 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumonia can be prevented — Vaccines can help. Published August 21, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2025.

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  • *FOR VACCINES OFFERED: Availability varies by state based on regulations. Age restrictions apply. Available when a certified immunizer is on duty. Eligible patients will not pay any copayments unless otherwise required by their plan, including Medicare Part B. Vaccines are currently available at most CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® locations and is no cost with most insurance plans.

  • *FOR $5 OFF $20 COUPON: Offer available January 8, 2025, through August 10, 2025, while supplies last. Appointments scheduled online will receive the coupon after vaccination. Limit one per customer per vaccine visit. For vaccines that require multiple doses, the coupon will be given with vaccine series completion. Merchandise coupon redeemable at CVS Pharmacy® and Longs Drugs® for one-time use. Terms and conditions apply. See coupon for details. $5 savings applied to total qualifying minimum purchase of $20 (after other coupons and discounts are applied). Reward cannot be earned in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York. This offer is solely made by CVS® and not connected with any vaccine manufacturer.

  • *FOR PNEUMONIA VACCINES HELP PROTECT AGAINST CERTAIN DISEASES: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumonia can be prevented — Vaccines can help. Published August 21, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2025.

  • *FOR CDC RECOMMENDS THAT CERTAIN GROUPS GET VACCINATED: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal vaccination. Published October 26, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2025.

  • *FOR PCV15, PCV20, PCV21, PPSV23: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pneumococcal vaccination. Published October 26, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2025.

  • *FOR RSV: Respiratory syncytial virus.

  • *FOR REWARDS AT THE PHARMACY: You must enroll in the ExtraCare® program and sign the Privacy Authorization to earn ExtraBucks Rewards® for pharmacy activities. You will receive $2 ExtraBucks Rewards when you accumulate 4 credits, up to $50 ExtraBucks Rewards in a calendar year. Rewards at the pharmacy are valid only in the United States and are not available in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York; for any prescriptions transferred to a CVS Pharmacy® in Alabama, Mississippi or Oregon; for any controlled substance prescriptions purchased in Hawaii or Louisiana; or where otherwise prohibited by law. Check terms and conditions for details or ask a CVS® pharmacy team member for a copy.

  • *FOR Which pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine do I need: PCV: pneumococcal conjugate vaccines; PPSV: pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.

  • *FOR WHO SHOULD NOT GET VACCINATED: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This is not an all-inclusive list of who should not be vaccinated. Consult with your health care provider or talk to your CVS Pharmacy® certified immunizer to see if the vaccine is right for you.