Pneumonia Shot

I'm 63 years old and  am a type 2.  I had a pneumonia shot 5 years ago when I was 58  but last March I had pneumonia so I'm wondering since it's been 5 years since my last shot if maybe I shouldn't have another one.  I have had pneumonia twice in my life, once in 1965 and once in 2007, both times it was the kind that's called walking pneumonia; does the vaccine not work on that kind?

[Anita Ramsetty, MD]

Hi,
Given that your first vaccine was before the age of 65 and was more than 5 years ago, you should have the vaccine again.People with Type 2 can have a more severe version of the illness, so you most certainly should speak with your doctor about this, and also be sure to discuss your flu shot.

The vaccine is designed to protect against pneumonia caused by pneumococcus, which is different from " walking pneumonia" which is caused by a bacteria called mycoplasma. So I do not think the vaccine protects against that type of pneumonia.
Take care.

[joy05]

A related discussion, chronic pnuemonia (pneumonia) was started.

[lollipolli]

A related discussion, HIB vaccination was started.