The good news? There’s a simple, FDA-approved vaccine that can dramatically lower your risk… yet millions of eligible adults aren’t getting it.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious lung infection caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It doesn’t just lead to uncomfortable symptoms — it can spiral into life-threatening complications, especially for adults over 50 or those with weakened immune systems.

What’s alarming is how quickly it can strike. One day, you feel fine. The next, you're in the ER with a high fever, chills, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia doesn’t play fair — and many people don’t realize they’re at risk until it’s too late.

Here’s where the vaccine comes in. Known as the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), it helps your immune system recognize and fight the bacteria before it causes infection. For older adults and those with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, this can mean the difference between a mild illness and a trip to the ICU.

But despite its proven effectiveness, vaccination rates remain shockingly low. According to CDC data, less than 25% of eligible adults are up to date on their pneumococcal vaccines.

So why the gap?

For many, it comes down to awareness. Pneumococcal pneumonia isn’t widely talked about. It doesn’t dominate headlines. And unlike the flu or COVID-19, it’s not always seasonal — making it easy to forget until it strikes.

But health experts agree: this vaccine is one of the most underutilized tools in adult preventative care. It’s safe, covered by most insurance plans, and available at pharmacies and clinics nationwide.