Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause a cough and make it hard to breathe. Anyone can get pneumonia, but children under age two and people age 65 or older are more likely to get very sick. However, a pneumonia shot can keep you from getting sick.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria infection, which is usually in your lungs. It can also be caused by the flu virus, the common cold virus, or a fungal infection in your lungs. Other types of pneumonia infections include ear infections, sinus infections, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.
Signs and symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Cough with or without mucus
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain when you breathe or cough
- Low oxygen levels in your blood
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Throwing up
- Diarrhea
If you have another serious health condition, you might feel cold or have a lower body temperature instead of a fever. You might also suddenly feel confused and weak. Blood infections and meningitis can be serious conditions that can cause brain damage and even death.
You can get pneumonia from other people, especially if you live with lots of people, like in a nursing home. Sometimes you can get pneumonia from animals, which can happen if you work at a pet shop or a vet clinic.
What is the Pneumonia Shot?
The pneumonia shot is a vaccine that keeps you from getting pneumonia. There are two types of vaccines. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is primarily for children under age two, though it can be given to older ages, as well. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is for adults over age 65.
The pneumonia vaccine for older adults is one dose. Unlike the flu vaccine, you don’t get it every year.
The vaccine teaches your body to make proteins that will destroy the pneumonia bacteria. These proteins are called antibodies and they will protect you and keep you from getting infected. The pneumonia vaccines don’t have live bacteria or viruses in them, so you won’t get pneumonia from the vaccine.
You should have the pneumonia vaccine if you:
- Are over age 65
- Have a long-term health problem
- Asthma
- HIV
- Cancer
- Sickle cell disease
- Kidney disease
- Cerebral spinal fluid leak
- Cochlear implant
- Have a weak immune system
- Smoke
Vaccines don’t prevent all pneumonia, but people who get the shot don’t get as sick as those who don’t have it. Benefits of the vaccine include:
- Milder infections
- Shorter time being sick
- Fewer complications
- Protection against 23 strains of pneumonia bacteria
Safety Concerns of the Pneumonia Shot at Age 65
The pneumonia shot for seniors is a safe vaccine that stops 50% to 70% of pneumonia infections. There are times you shouldn’t get the vaccine, though.
You shouldn’t get it if you’re allergic to the vaccine or have serious allergies. If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to the pneumonia vaccine before or to any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t have the vaccine. If you’ve had a bad reaction to a vaccine before, make sure to tell your doctor before getting it.
If you have a fever, you should wait to have the vaccine. It’s generally safe to have the vaccine if you’re mildly unwell. If you have a fever and chills, you should wait to get the pneumonia vaccine until you feel better.
You might have some side effects from the pneumonia shot. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Soreness
- Swelling
- Redness
Sometimes people don’t like needles or feel faint after a needle or medical procedure. This might cause you to feel unwell. Symptoms can include:
- Feeling sick
- Dizziness
- Vision changes
- Ringing in your ears
- Sweating
If you know you don’t like needles or feel worried before getting a vaccine, you can try to look away while you have the shot. You can also try a relaxation technique like deep breathing or visualization to help you feel calm.
Older people are more likely to have long-term health problems that can make getting an infection dangerous. The pneumonia shot is recommended for most people.
Emergency Situations With the Pneumonia Vaccine
Vaccines are safe. Rarely, some people might have pneumonia shot reactions or serious allergic reactions. This is called anaphylaxis. Symptoms include:
- Feeling faint
- Trouble breathing
- Itchy throat
- Swelling throat
- Wheezing
- Fast heartbeat
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Collapsing
- Losing consciousness
- Feeling sick
- Throwing up
- Swelling
- Hives
- Stomach pain
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. You should call an ambulance and get to a hospital right away. Lie down flat while you wait unless you’re having problems breathing.
While it is rare, vaccines can also cause serious injury and death in some people. If you have any concerns about the pneumonia shot, you should talk them over with your doctor.
