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Pneumonia Vaccines

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Protect Your Lungs with Pneumonia Vaccines at mediDental care in Astoria

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.

What Is Pneumonia?

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.

Common Pneumonia Symptoms:

  • Cough (sometimes with mucus)
  • Chest pain when breathing or coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever and chills
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Difficulty breathing or swelling in the throat (rare, but seek immediate medical attention if this occurs after vaccination)

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.

What Are Pneumonia Vaccines?

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.

1. PCV20 (Prevnar 20)

  • Protects against 20 types of pneumococcal bacteria
  • Recommended for adults 65+ and certain high-risk younger adults

2. PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23)

  • Covers 23 additional strains of pneumococcal bacteria
  • Sometimes used in combination with PCV20 for broader protection

Your provider will recommend the right vaccine or sequence based on your age, health, and vaccine history.

Who Should Get the Pneumonia Vaccine?

CDC Guidelines Recommend Vaccination For:

  • Adults age 65 and older
  • Adults 19–64 with risk factors:
    • Chronic heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease
    • Diabetes
    • Weakened immune system (HIV, cancer, etc.)
    • Smokers or people with asthma
    • Alcohol use disorder

Children:

  • Children under age 5 routinely receive PCV as part of the pediatric vaccine schedule

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.

Pneumonia Vaccines vs. the Flu Shot

These vaccines protect against different illnesses—but they complement each other.

Vaccine Type Prevents Timing
Flu ShotInfluenza virusAnnually (fall)
Pneumonia VaccineStreptococcus pneumoniaeOnce 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.

What to Expect During Your Vaccination Visit

1. Pre-Appointment Evaluation

  • Medical history review
  • Confirmation of vaccine eligibility and timing
  • Discussion of risks, benefits, and potential side effects

2. Vaccination

  • Given via intramuscular injection (usually in the upper arm)
  • Takes just a few seconds
  • Mild discomfort at the injection site may occur

3. Post-Vaccine Monitoring

  • 10–15 minute observation period for rare allergic reactions
  • Written vaccine documentation for your records

Are There Side Effects?

Pneumonia vaccines are very safe, but minor side effects are possible, including swelling at the injection site.

Common Side Effects:

  • Soreness or redness at injection site
  • Mild fever or fatigue
  • Headache or muscle aches

These symptoms typically resolve within a day or two. Serious reactions are rare.

Pneumonia Prevention Beyond Vaccines

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.

Additional Prevention Tips:

  • Wash hands frequently
  • Avoid smoking (which damages lung defenses)
  • Manage chronic conditions proactively
  • Get annual flu shots (to prevent flu-related pneumonia)
  • Eat a nutrient-rich diet and stay physically active

Why Choose mediDental care for Pneumonia Vaccines in Astoria?

  • Expert primary care team familiar with CDC guidelines
  • Quick, convenient scheduling for individuals or families
  • Multilingual support and culturally inclusive care
  • Coordination with your full health plan (including flu shots and other vaccines)
  • Located in the heart of Astoria—easy access for local residents
  • Personalized assistance and care—our team takes an active interest in each patient’s health, providing support tailored to your unique needs

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.

Schedule Your Pneumonia Vaccine in Astoria Today

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
📞 Call us or book your appointment online

Don’t wait for symptoms to strike. Stay protected with mediDental care—your trusted partner in primary care in Astoria.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need a pneumonia vaccine?

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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.

Can I get the pneumonia vaccine and flu shot at the same time?

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Yes. It’s safe and often recommended to receive both vaccines during the same visit.

Is the pneumonia vaccine covered by insurance?

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Yes. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover pneumonia vaccines as part of preventive care.

What if I already had pneumonia before?

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You may still benefit from the vaccine, as it can prevent future infections caused by other strains.

At what age should my child get the pneumonia vaccine?

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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

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