Pneumonia can strike suddenly and lead to serious health complications—especially in older adults, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems, who are at higher risk and increased risk for pneumonia and its complications. Fortunately, pneumonia vaccines provide effective protection. At mediDental care, we offer pneumonia vaccinations as part of our comprehensive primary care in Astoria, helping you stay healthy, active, and protected year-round.
Pneumonia is one of several infectious diseases that can be prevented through vaccination. Whether you’re over 65, managing a chronic condition, or simply taking steps to stay well, our team is here to guide you through your vaccination schedule and make pneumonia prevention easy.
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, including other bacteria besides Streptococcus pneumoniae, and may lead to serious diseases, especially in high-risk individuals.
In severe cases, pneumonia can result in hospitalization, respiratory failure, or even death. Vaccination is one of the best tools we have to prevent this.
Pneumonia vaccines protect against the most common strains, or serotypes, of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia. There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines: conjugate vaccines (such as pneumococcal conjugate vaccines) and polysaccharide vaccines. Pneumococcal vaccines are designed to protect against pneumococcal infection, including pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease, by targeting multiple serotypes of the bacteria.
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV20 is a type of conjugate vaccine that covers 20 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Conjugate vaccines, such as PCV20, were developed to provide broader protection and stimulate the production of antibodies that help the immune system fight pneumococcal bacteria.
The PPSV23 vaccine is a polysaccharide vaccine that protects against 23 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. While polysaccharide vaccines cover more serotypes, they do not provide nasal immunity and are less effective in young children.
Pneumococcal vaccines help prevent serious diseases like invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia by enabling the body to develop antibodies that fight off pneumococcal infection.
Your provider will recommend the right vaccine or sequence based on your age, health, and vaccine history.
Even healthy individuals can benefit from pneumonia protection—especially if they live or work in close contact environments like healthcare, daycare, or long-term care facilities.
These vaccines protect against different illnesses—but they complement each other.
| Vaccine Type | Prevents | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Flu Shot | Influenza virus | Annually (fall) |
| Pneumonia Vaccine | Streptococcus pneumoniae | Once or spaced doses |
Getting both vaccines provides more comprehensive protection during respiratory illness season. Both vaccines are important precautions for disease control, helping to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and reduce the risk of severe complications from respiratory infections.
Pneumonia vaccines are very safe, but minor side effects are possible, including swelling at the injection site.
These symptoms typically resolve within a day or two. Serious reactions are rare.
Vaccination is a cornerstone of prevention—but it’s not the only step you can take.
Handwashing is also crucial, as it helps prevent the spread of germs that cause pneumonia and other infections.
Pneumococcal infections can also lead to complications such as ear infections, especially in children.
Our clinic helps each person maintain their health through ongoing preventive care, comprehensive assistance, and support focused on the individual patient.
Whether you need your first dose or a follow-up, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free.
Protect your lungs, your independence, and your future with a quick and easy pneumonia vaccine at mediDental care. Our team is here to make prevention simple, safe, and stress-free.
📍 Located in Astoria, Queens
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Don’t wait for symptoms to strike. Stay protected with mediDental care—your trusted partner in primary care in Astoria.
Most adults only need one dose of PCV20. Some may require a second PPSV23 shot a year later, depending on risk factors and previous vaccination history.
Yes. It’s safe and often recommended to receive both vaccines during the same visit.
Yes. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover pneumonia vaccines as part of preventive care.
You may still benefit from the vaccine, as it can prevent future infections caused by other strains.
The PCV13 or PCV15 vaccines are given to infants starting at 2 months of age as part of their routine schedule.
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2246 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105