Written by

Kristen Cramer

April 24, 2025

Edited by

Jennifer Carlson

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

Pneumonia vaccine cost

The pneumonia vaccine costs $200 to $330 without insurance at local pharmacies. With a savings coupon from GoodRx or SingleCare, the pneumonia vaccine price drops to $120 to $165. Medicare Part B and most health insurance plans cover the full cost of the vaccine with no copay or deductible.

• Many local health departments offer discounted pneumococcal vaccines for uninsured and underinsured individuals.

• The federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free pneumonia shots for eligible children ages 18 and younger.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid. This can result in symptoms such as cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

Pneumonia can range in severity from mild to life-threatening, depending on the type of infection, your age, and your overall health. The infection is particularly dangerous for infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

A pneumonia infection may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi:

• Bacterial pneumonia: Infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria is the most common cause of pneumonia acquired outside a healthcare facility. Other bacteria that can cause pneumonia include Haemophilus influenzae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

• Viral pneumonia: Respiratory viruses that cause the flu (influenza), the common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) can also lead to pneumonia

• Fungal pneumonia: Fungi like Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, or Pneumocystis may cause pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems.

• Atypical / walking pneumonia: "Atypical" or "walking pneumonia" is a non-medical term used to describe a mild case of pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. People with walking pneumonia may not feel sick enough to stay in bed or seek medical care.

Pneumonia symptoms

Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Cough, which may produce green, yellow, or bloody mucus

• Sharp chest pain when breathing deeply or coughing

• Fever and sweating

• Chills

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Rapid, shallow breathing

• Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms can vary in severity and may differ depending on the type of pneumonia and individual factors such as age and overall health. Seniors may experience confusion or changes in mental awareness, and children under five may have fast breathing or wheezing.

Is pneumonia contagious?

Yes, pneumonia can be contagious, but it depends on the type of pneumonia. Bacterial and viral pneumonia are contagious and spread via airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Fungal pneumonia is not contagious.

The contagious period depends on the pathogen causing the pneumonia infection. Generally, people with bacterial pneumonia become less contagious after taking antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours. Those with viral pneumonia may be contagious for longer periods, often for several days after symptoms begin and potentially until symptoms resolve.

Who should get the pneumonia vaccine?

The CDC recommends the pneumococcal vaccine for:

• All children younger than 5 years

• All adults 50 years or older

• People with certain medical conditions or risk factors that include:

  • Chronic illnesses (heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes)

  • Conditions that weaken the immune system (HIV/AIDS, cancer, or damaged/absent spleen)

  • Cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks

  • Smokers

  • Those living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities

There are multiple pneumonia vaccines available, including PCV15, PCV20, PCV 21, and PPSV23. The number in the name indicates the number of different strains of pneumococcal bacteria the vaccine protects against. Your healthcare provider can determine which vaccine is appropriate based on your age and risk factors.

When to get the pneumonia vaccine

The recommended timing for pneumonia vaccination depends on age and risk factors:

• Children should get the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20) in a four-dose series administered at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months as part of their routine vaccination schedule.

• Adults 50 years or older should get the PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21 pneumococcal vaccine. Adults who receive the PCV15 vaccine should get a dose of PPSV23 one year later.

• Adults 19 to 49 years old with a weakened immune system or other risk factors should get the pneumonia vaccine if recommended by their healthcare provider.

Pneumonia vaccines can be administered at any time of year and are available at doctor's offices, pharmacies, local health departments, and community health clinics.

Pneumonia vaccine FAQs

How often do you need to get the pneumonia vaccine?

Most people need only one dose of pneumococcal vaccines in their lifetime. However, this depends on age, health conditions, and which vaccine a person received. Children receive a four-dose series of the vaccine. Adults aged 50 or older typically only need one dose, but some high-risk adults may need additional doses as recommended by their healthcare provider.

How long does the pneumonia vaccine last?

For adults, a single dose of the pneumonia vaccine typically provides lifelong protection with an effectiveness rate of 60% to 70% at preventing an infection. For infants and children, each dose of the vaccine only provides protection for a few months until they've received all four doses and built up immunity.

What are the side effects of the pneumonia vaccine?

Most side effects of pneumonia vaccine are mild and temporary, including:

• Swelling or pain at the injection site

• Drowsiness or fatigue

• Fever

• Loss of appetite

• Headache

Serious adverse reactions are rare. As with any vaccine, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is possible but extremely uncommon. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe symptoms or if mild symptoms persist for more than a few days.

What happens if you get the pneumonia vaccine twice?

Receiving an extra dose of pneumococcal vaccine is generally not harmful but might increase the risk of pain or tenderness at the injection site. If you receive the same type of pneumococcal vaccine more than once, it typically doesn't provide additional benefits beyond the first dose.

If you're unsure about your vaccination history, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if the pneumonia vaccine is necessary.

Is the pneumonia shot a live vaccine?

No, the pneumonia vaccine is not a live vaccine. Pneumonia vaccines consist of inactivated components of the pneumococcal bacteria and cannot cause pneumonia. This makes them safe for most people, including those with weakened immune systems who might not be able to receive live vaccines.

Does Medicare cover the pneumonia vaccine?

Yes, Medicare Part B covers the pneumonia vaccine for all Medicare beneficiaries. This includes an initial pneumococcal vaccine and a difference second pneumococcal vaccine if recommended.