Is the pneumococcal vaccine the same as the pneumonia vaccine?
Effectively, yes. The pneumococcal vaccine is often called the pneumonia vaccine because pneumonia is the most common serious illness it prevents. Strictly speaking, it protects against pneumococcal disease caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae — which includes pneumonia, meningitis, bloodstream infection and middle-ear infection. It does not prevent pneumonia caused by other germs, such as influenza or COVID-19.
Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine in Singapore?
Under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for all adults aged 65 and above, and for adults aged 18 to 64 at increased risk — including those with diabetes, chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, weakened immunity, a non-functioning spleen or a cochlear implant. Infants receive it under the childhood schedule.
Which pneumococcal vaccines are available in Singapore?
Three are used: PCV13 (Prevenar 13) and PCV20 (Prevenar 20), which are conjugate vaccines covering 13 and 20 strains, and PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23), a polysaccharide vaccine covering 23 strains. PCV20 was added to the NAIS on 1 September 2025.
How many pneumococcal jabs do I need?
For most adults, a single dose of PCV20 provides broad protection in one visit. The alternative is the older sequence — a dose of PCV13 followed by PPSV23, usually about a year later. Your doctor will recommend the right option based on your age, health and vaccination history.
Is the pneumonia vaccine a one-time vaccine?
For many healthy older adults, yes — unlike the annual flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccination is generally a one-off, or at most two doses in a lifetime. Some people with specific medical conditions may need a further dose; your doctor will advise.
What is the schedule for children?
Under Singapore's National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), infants receive pneumococcal conjugate vaccine doses at 4 months and 6 months, with a booster at 12 months.
Can I get the pneumococcal vaccine at the same time as my flu jab?
Yes. The pneumococcal and influenza vaccines can usually be given at the same visit, in different arms. This is convenient for older adults, who are advised to have both.
Is the pneumococcal vaccine free or subsidised?
Pneumococcal vaccination is nationally recommended, so it is fully subsidised for eligible Healthier SG enrollees, and subsidised at CHAS GP clinics for Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation and CHAS cardholders in recommended groups. MediSave can also be used. Contact us to check what you qualify for.
Can I use MediSave for the pneumococcal vaccine?
Yes. Eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can use MediSave towards nationally recommended vaccinations, including the pneumococcal vaccine. Flexi-MediSave is available to eligible seniors aged 60 and above.
What are the side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine?
Most people have only mild effects: soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given, and sometimes a mild headache, body aches, tiredness or low-grade fever. These usually settle within a few days. Feeling faint immediately afterwards is uncommon but possible, so you may be asked to sit for a short while.
Who should not have the pneumococcal vaccine?
Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose or any vaccine component, if you are unwell or feverish today, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor will advise whether to proceed or postpone.
Why is the pneumonia vaccine important for seniors?
Pneumococcal disease is more common and far more dangerous with age — pneumonia in older adults frequently leads to hospitalisation and can be life-threatening. Vaccination substantially lowers the risk of severe pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infection.
Where is my vaccination recorded?
Your pneumococcal vaccination is recorded in the National Immunisation Registry and appears in your HealthHub record, so you and your doctors always have an accurate history.
