The New Pneumonia Vaccine: Who Qualifies and Why

Capvaxive, the new pneumonia vaccine is a single-dose pneumococcal conjugate vaccine designed to protect adults against severe pneumonia and invasive lung infections. It is manufactured by Merck and specifically targets 21 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which cause the vast majority of severe adult illnesses. Unlike older pneumonia shots, Capvaxive includes eight unique bacterial strains that were previously uncovered by any regular vaccine.

Who Qualifies for Capvaxive?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) routinely updates its age-based guidelines. You qualify to receive Capvaxive if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Adults aged 50 and older: Anyone in this age group who has never received a pneumococcal conjugate shot—or doesn’t know their vaccine history—should get it.
• Adults aged 19 to 49 with chronic medical conditions: This includes people living with diabetes, asthma, COPD, chronic heart disease, kidney disorders, or liver disease.
• Adults aged 19 to 49 with immune system conditions: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV, or people taking immunosuppressive therapies.
• Adults aged 19 to 49 with lifestyle risk factors: Regular cigarette smokers and individuals with alcoholism are eligible due to increased lung vulnerabilities.

What Does the Vaccine Protect Against?

The vaccine prevents two distinct, severe bacterial conditions:

1. Pneumococcal Pneumonia: A severe lung infection that fills lungs with fluid, causing breathing difficulties, chest pain, and high fever.
2. Invasive Pneumococcal Disease: A life-threatening emergency where bacteria invade blood (bacteremia) or the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

Visit our vaccinations page to book an appointment for your pneumonia vaccine or have our nurse come to you.