Pneumonia vaccine (pneumococcus)

Pneumococcus is a bacterium that is transmitted from person to person by droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person. The symptoms and severity of pneumococcal infections may vary depending on the age and health of the individual. Fortunately, this infection can be prevented through vaccination. It is possible to receive this vaccine directly at the pharmacy.

Vaccination against pneumococcal infections is recommended and free for the following groups:

• children age 2 to 59 months;
• people age 65 or older;
• some people who are at greater risk of complications.

People for whom vaccination is not recommended must pay to get this vaccine. The number of doses and the vaccine vary with a person’s age and health.