A recent, large study by the National Institutes of Health suggests that the vaccine prevents most cases of pneumococcal pneumonia. The U.S. Public Health Service, the National Coalition for Adult Immunization, and the American Lung Association now recommend that all people age 65 and older get this vaccine. Everyone age 65 and older should get the pneumonia vaccine. Anyone with chronic disease or a weak immune system should also get the vaccine. Most people need to get it only once.
Most people have mild or no side effects.
It is covered by Medicare.