Pneumococcal vaccination is given to protect individuals from a specific type of lung infection called as pneumonia, which is a bacterial disease. The pneumococcal vaccine is given as one dose for most people.

Recommended age of administering:

It is given in three doses at 6, 7 and 8 months after birth.

The vaccine is recommended for:

• High-risk people age 2 or older.

• Everyone age 65 years or older.

• Those with sickle cell disease.

• Those who had their spleen removed.

• Individuals who live in nursing homes.

• Individuals who live in any institution where there are people with chronic health problems.

• Individuals with conditions that weaken the immune system, such as cancer, HIV, or organ transplantation.

• Individuals who receive chronic (long-term) immunosuppressive medications, including steroids.