ThedaCare Encourages Children, Adults Over Age 50 to Get the One-Time Shot

People planning to get their annual flu shot should also consider getting vaccinated against pneumonia, a ThedaCare physician advised.

Pneumococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. The pneumonia vaccine may help reduce the likelihood of developing or becoming seriously ill from pneumococcal disease, according to Dr. Samuel Beschta, a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Darboy.

In October 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) broadened its guidelines around who should receive the vaccine. The agency now encourages all adults to receive the one-time vaccination at age 50. Previously, the recommended age had been 65.

“The updated guidance reflects the knowledge that beginning at age 50, people face an increased risk of becoming seriously ill from pneumococcal disease,” Dr. Beschta said. “We want to ensure people who are eligible are educated about the new recommendation.”

CDC’s Complete Recommendation

In addition to adults over the age of 50, the CDC recommends the pneumonia vaccine for:

• All children younger than 5
• Children 5-18 with certain health risk factors
• Individuals 19-49 with certain health risk factors

Pneumococcal disease is an umbrella term for any infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria can cause many types of infections, including:

• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
• Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)
• Otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Sinusitis (sinus infection)

Pneumococcal bacteria spreads between people through direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as coughing and sneezing.

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Disease, an estimated 150,000 U.S. adults are hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia each year. About one in 20 individuals who get pneumococcal pneumonia will die. The death rate is higher among adults age 65 years and older.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease, the CDC said. The vaccine may help decrease a person’s chances of contracting the disease. If someone who’s vaccinated does develop pneumonia, it may help reduce the duration and severity of their illness.

Additional Preventative Steps

In addition to vaccination, other steps can help stop the spread of pneumonia. These include:

• Washing hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing, going to the bathroom and diapering, and before eating or preparing foods
• Avoiding people who are sick
• Taking steps to improve indoor air quality
• Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
• Abstaining from smoking
• Limiting secondhand smoke exposure

Vaccine Types

Two types of vaccines are available to protect against pneumococcal disease. The first is pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs). This variety includes PCV15, PCV20 and PCV21. The number at the end of the name indicates how many strains of pneumococcal bacteria each vaccine protects against.

PCVs are given to children younger than 5 years old and to older children who need it. Providers also give PCVs to adults 50 years or older and other adults who qualify.

The second type is called pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Providers may give PPSV23 to children 2 through 18 years old with certain conditions, as well as certain adults.

A child or adult’s primary care provider will provide guidance on which vaccine the individual should receive.

“Unlike the flu shot, the pneumonia vaccine isn’t annual,” Dr. Beschta said. “Most people only need to get vaccinated once. If you’re receiving the flu shot, it’s safe to receive the pneumonia vaccine at the same time.”

Avoid Serious Illness

“Pneumonia can happen any time of the year,” Dr. Beschta said. “But as we enter cold and flu season, now is a good time to learn how the pneumonia vaccine may help prevent a potentially serious infection.”

People planning to schedule their immunizations are encouraged to visit MyThedaCare or the Immunization page of ThedaCare.org.

About ThedaCare

For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in Northeast and Central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including nine hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. In 2024, ThedaCare and Froedtert Health combined to form one system to strengthen local health care and provide high-quality services for treatment and prevention in a coordinated manner.