Who should NOT get the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine or should wait?

The PCV15, PCV20 and PCV21 vaccines should not be given to someone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction after any type of PCV vaccine or to any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid (e.g., DTaP), or a severe allergy to any part of these vaccines. The PPSV23 vaccine should not be given to anyone who is less than 2 years old, had a life-threatening allergic reaction after getting PPSV23 in the past, or has a severe allergy to any part of PPSV23. Vaccination with any of the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines should generally be postponed in persons with a moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever.

A preparation that is used to stimulate the body’s immune response against diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Explaining how vaccines work. CDC.gov. Published August 10, 2024.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines help your body protect itself from diseases. When you get vaccinated, your body activates a natural defense. The vaccine imitates a virus or bacteria. Your body reacts to this imitation by producing antibodies. This is called an immune response. The antibodies your body makes after a vaccine can recognize specific germs. Your antibodies know how to fight these familiar germs if they return. After antibodies are activated from a vaccine, you might notice mild side effects. These side effects may last a day or two. Some people get a headache or body aches. However, these side effects don't mean you have an infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Explaining how vaccines work. CDC.gov. Published August 10, 2024.

Why are vaccines important?

Vaccines are important for global health. Here are some benefits of vaccination according to the National Institutes of Health: • Vaccines help save millions of lives every year. • Vaccines help your body fight diseases by helping to train the body on how to defend against certain infections. • Vaccines help stop diseases from spreading across communities. • Vaccines help reduce serious complications from infections. • Vaccines are safe and effective for many people. Most children and adults can safely get vaccinated. World Health Organization. Vaccines and immunization. WHO.int. Published January 27, 2025.

What is active immunity?

Active immunity results when someone is exposed to a disease-causing organism that triggers the immune system to produce antibodies to that disease.

What is passive immunity?

Passive immunity is provided when someone is given antibodies to a disease.

What is the difference between immunizations and vaccines?

A vaccination refers to the process of receiving a vaccine whereas an immunization refers to the process by which a person becomes protected against a disease through vaccination.

Does insurance cover vaccinations?

Many insurance plans will cover some or all costs of select vaccinations. To ensure coverage, contact your insurance provider.

Does Medicare cover vaccines?

Medicare Part B covers preventative care vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal pneumonia at no cost. Medicare Part B also covers hepatitis B vaccines for certain patients at no cost. Medicare Part D covers preventative care vaccines for shingles, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis or whooping cough) at no cost. Certain other vaccines, such as vaccines used for treatment purposes or vaccines not recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), may be covered with cost sharing. Visit Medicare.gov to learn more.

Where can I get immunizations?

Whether you’re looking for flu, pneumonia (pneumococcal), whooping cough or meningitis (meningococcal) vaccinations, we can help. CVS® offers vaccines for children, adolescents, teens and adults.

Can I get multiple vaccines in one day?

Getting several vaccines during the same visit is called coadministration. Most vaccines work well when given together, as well as when administered separately. Coadministration can make vaccination quick and convenient. Most vaccines can be administered on the same day, but some cannot. Your health care provider can help determine which vaccines can be given together. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multiple vaccines at once. CDC.gov. Published December 20, 2024.

Who should NOT get vaccinated?

There are some people who should not get certain vaccines* or should wait to get them due to age, specific health conditions or other factors. It’s always a good idea to discuss with your health care provider the vaccinations you are considering.

What vaccines do schools require?

According to research completed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Public Health Law Program (PHLP) in 2019, DTaP, MMR, polio and varicella vaccines are required for children entering school in almost every state, and the meningitis (meningococcal) vaccine is required for entry into later grades in many states. To find out what vaccines are required for your individual situation, please contact your local school district or specific college. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. State school immunization requirements and vaccine exemption laws. CDC.gov. Accessed January 15, 2025.

What vaccines are recommended during pregnancy?

Consult with your doctor or other health care provider to determine which vaccines during pregnancy are recommended for you and your baby, depending on your age, lifestyle, medical conditions and other factors. Some recommended vaccines during pregnancy include: • Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, which is also known as whooping cough) • Flu • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has guidance on the specific timing for when each vaccine is the most useful for protecting you and your baby.

Does MinuteClinic® offer vaccinations?

Yes, trained MinuteClinic providers can administer 15 vaccinations, including meningitis (meningococcal), Tdap for adults, DTaP for youths, flu, tetanus and COVID-19.

How can I schedule a vaccine appointment at CVS®?

Schedule vaccines at CVS in the way most convenient for you: • Call 1-800-SHOP CVS 1-800-746-7287 (TTY:711) • Visit CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic • Visit CVS Health app • Call your local CVS Pharmacy® • Walk-ins are also welcome

How much does it cost to get vaccinated at CVS®?

Vaccines at CVS are free with most insurance. Medicare Part B covers flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal pneumonia and hepatitis B vaccines (for eligible patients) at no cost. Medicare Part D covers respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) and shingles vaccines at no cost. If you're uninsured, out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on the vaccine you receive.

Do I need an appointment to get a vaccine at CVS®?

Scheduling an appointment online or through the CVS Health® app is recommended to help reduce wait times and confirm vaccine availability at your preferred CVS Pharmacy® location. Walk-ins may be available, depending on vaccine availability and location.

Can I get multiple vaccines in one visit at CVS®?

Yes. When scheduling online, you can select up to three vaccines per appointment, if recommended by your provider. In store, your provider may be able to administer additional vaccines at their discretion. Getting multiple vaccines in one appointment can save time and help you stay up-to-date on recommended immunizations. Vaccines you may be able to schedule include flu, COVID-19, shingles, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal pneumonia.

Vaccines go through years of testing and are continuously monitored for safety and efficacy once licensed and in use. U.S. teams of physicians, scientists and public health experts closely monitor any adverse effects that might occur after a vaccination and respond as necessary to ensure vaccines are held to the highest safety standards.

Do vaccines have side effects?

You may experience mild side effects after receiving a vaccine. Most side effects are mild (for example, a sore arm or low-grade fever) and go away within a few days. More information on each vaccination is available on the specific vaccine health pages. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/basics/possible-side-effects.html

What are the risks of being unvaccinated?

Unvaccinated people can be at risk if exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases. Symptoms and complications of such diseases can be serious and even life-threatening.

How do I access COVID-19 vaccination records for someone other than a minor child?

At this time, you may only access your own vaccination records or those of your minor children. Any patient age 18 or older must create their own account on Care.CVS.com to access their vaccination records.

How do I add my minor child to my account and view their vaccination records?

If you’re looking for prescriptions, vaccinations or health cards from CVS Pharmacy®, you can add minors to your view by requesting to manage their prescriptions in CVS Pharmacy.

FREE pneumonia vaccine with most insurance at CVS®

The pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine is FREE with most insurance* plans. Plus, get a $5 off $20 coupon* after vaccination. Vaccinations vary by state based on regulations. Restrictions apply.*

Your pharmacist or MinuteClinic® provider is always available to discuss which vaccines are right for you.

Schedule vaccinations

A provider applies a bandage to a person’s arm.

Eligibility information about the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults 50 and older, as well as adults ages 19 through 49 with certain conditions or risk factors, receive a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination.

Schedule vaccinations

Illustration shows different sized bandages.

What you should know about pneumococcal pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection

Pneumonia can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. You are more likely to get pneumonia if you smoke or have underlying medical conditions, like diabetes or heart disease.

Schedule your vaccinations

Illustration shows a bandage with a heart.

A vaccine can help prevent pneumonia

Pneumonia vaccines help protect against certain diseases* caused by pneumococcal bacteria, which includes infections like pneumonia and meningitis as well as ear and sinus infections.

Schedule your vaccinations

Some are more likely to get infected

The CDC recommends that certain groups get vaccinated:*

all children younger than 5 years old
adults 50 years or older
those ages 5 through 49 who have certain medical conditions or risk factors, including these pictured, among others

Schedule your vaccinations

We can help make vaccines easier

Vaccines at CVS are FREE with most insurance

Find vaccines that are free with most insurance, including flu, COVID-19, RSV,* shingles, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV) and more.

Explore all vaccines

Get rewarded for vaccinations

Schedule a vaccine and get a $5 off $20 coupon* for the next time you shop at CVS.

Schedule vaccinations

More ways healthier happens together™

Last updated February 5, 2025, using U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine guidance.

FAQs

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Viruses, bacteria and fungi can all cause pneumonia. Common causes of viral pneumonia are influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). A common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). However, clinicians are not always able to find out which germ caused someone to get sick with pneumonia.

Learn more about pneumonia

There are four different pneumococcal vaccines available that are currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: PCV15, PCV20, PCV21, and PPSV23*. Choosing which pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine someone should receive can be quite complicated.

You should speak with your pharmacist or other health care provider about which vaccine(s) you should receive and how many doses you may need based on your age, previous vaccination history, risk factors, underlying medical conditions, and sometimes even the risk of exposure to certain bacterial strains based on where someone lives.

Learn more about risk-based pneumococcal vaccination recommendations 

Learn more about PCV20 or PCV21 vaccinations for older adults

Learn more pneumococcal vaccine timing for adults

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that these vaccines protect against many, but not all types of pneumococcal bacteria. Also, the protection from these vaccines is good but not 100%. For these two reasons, there is still a chance someone can develop pneumococcal disease after vaccination.

Learn more about pneumonia vaccine effectiveness from the CDC

The PCV15, PCV20 and PCV21 vaccines should not be given* to someone who has had any of the following:

A life-threatening allergic reaction after any type of PCV vaccine or to any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid (e.g., DTaP)
A severe allergy to any part of these vaccines

The PPSV23 vaccine should not be given to anyone who meets the following:

Less than 2 years old
Had a life-threatening allergic reaction after getting PPSV23 in the past or has a severe allergy to any part of PPSV23

Vaccination with any of the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines should generally be postponed in persons with a moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever.

Learn more about pneumococcal vaccination from the CDC

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some possible side effects that may occur are muscle pain, fatigue, fever, and redness or pain at the site of the vaccination.

Medicare Part B covers preventative care vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal pneumonia at no cost. Medicare Part B also covers hepatitis B vaccines for certain people at no cost. Medicare Part D covers preventative care vaccines for shingles and Tdap at no cost. Certain other vaccines, such as vaccines used for treatment purposes or vaccines not recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), may be covered with cost sharing. Visit Medicare.gov to learn more.

There is currently no wait time between COVID-19 vaccines and pneumonia vaccines. Both immunizations can be given on the same day.

Learn more about administering pneumococcal vaccines

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumonia can be prevented — Vaccines can help. Published August 21, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2025.

See all vaccines available at CVS

Visit CDC.gov/Vaccines

*FOR FREE WITH MOST INSURANCE: All 29 vaccines offered at CVS Pharmacy® are no cost with most insurance. Eligibility varies by patient and insurance plan. Eligible patients will not pay any copayments unless otherwise required by their plan, including Medicare Part B. Availability varies by state based on law. This is not an all-inclusive list of who should be vaccinated. Age restrictions apply. Available when a certified immunizer is on duty. Vaccines are available at most CVS Pharmacy locations.
*FOR $5 off $20 COUPON OFFER: Offer available August 10, 2026, through December 31, 2026, while supplies last. Appointments scheduled online will receive the coupon after vaccination. Limit one per customer per vaccine visit. For vaccines that require multiple doses, the coupon will be given with vaccine series completion. Merchandise coupon redeemable at CVS Pharmacy® and Longs Drugs® for one-time use. ExtraCare® card required to receive savings. Terms and conditions apply. See coupon for details. Coupon barcode number must be provided to redeem online. $5 savings applied to total qualifying minimum purchase of $20 (after other coupons and discounts are applied). Coupon shall not be issued in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York, or at MinuteClinic® locations in Arkansas, Massachusetts, New Jersey or New York. Coupon cannot be redeemed at CVS Pharmacy® at Target, CVS Pharmacy® at Schnucks® or at MinuteClinic locations. This offer is solely made by CVS® and not connected with any vaccine manufacturer. In pharmacy locations at Target, eligible patients may receive a coupon to be redeemed in their respective stores.th any vaccine manufacturer.
*FOR RESTRICTIONS APPLY: Availability varies by state based on regulations. Age restrictions apply. Available when a certified immunizer is on duty. Eligible patients will not pay any copayments unless otherwise required by their plan, including Medicare Part B. Vaccines are currently available at most CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® locations and is no cost with most insurance plans.
*FOR PNEUMONIA VACCINES HELP PROTECT AGAINST CERTAIN DISEASES: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumonia can be prevented — Vaccines can help. Published February 25, 2026. Accessed September 28, 2026.
*FOR CDC RECOMMENDS THAT CERTAIN GROUPS GET VACCINATED: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal vaccination. Published February 25, 2026. Accessed September 28, 2026.
*FOR RSV: Respiratory syncytial virus.
*FOR PCV15, PCV20, PCV21, PPSV23: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pneumococcal vaccination. Published October 26, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2025.
*FOR WHICH PNEUMONIA (PNEUMOCOCCAL) VACCINE DO I NEED: PCV: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines; PPSV: pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.
*FOR WHO SHOULD NOT GET VACCINATED: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This is not an all-inclusive list of who should not be vaccinated. Consult with your health care provider or talk to your CVS Pharmacy® certified immunizer to see if the vaccine is right for you.

This page is up-to-date as of February 5, 2025, and based on vaccine guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individual states may adopt their own vaccine policies and recommendations based on local public health assessments and regulatory frameworks. For the most up-to-date information, consult your state or local health department or your health care provider. Back to top

FREE pneumonia vaccine with most insurance at CVS®

Eligibility information about the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine

What you should know about pneumococcal pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection

A vaccine can help prevent pneumonia

Some are more likely to get infected

We can help make vaccines easier

Vaccines at CVS are FREE with most insurance

Get rewarded for vaccinations

More ways healthier happens together™

FAQs

What causes pneumonia?

Which pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine do I need and how many doses do I need?

How effective are the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines?

Who should NOT get the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine or should wait?

What are some potential pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine side effects?

Are my vaccines covered at no cost as a Medicare member?

How long should I wait between pneumococcal pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccinations?

Like to learn more?