Even if you're healthy, age is one of the primary risk factors for catching pneumococcal pneumonia. That's because as we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, making it harder to fight off infections like pneumococcal pneumonia.
Once these bacteria invade the lungs and bloodstream, they can cause serious illness.
65 or older? You may be at greater
risk for pneumococcal pneumonia.
Here's why. Because our immune systems naturally
weaken with age, it's harder for our bodies to
fight off infections and diseases like
pneumococcal pneumonia — even
for healthy adults.
RISK FOR HOSPITALIZATION WITH PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA INCREASES WITH AGE.
*Greater risk compared to adults aged 18–49
- 50–64
- 65+
KNOW YOUR RISK
What is your age?
YOU ANSWERED: 18–49
May not be at risk based on age alone.
Age alone may not put you at risk now, but it's important to remember the risk for pneumococcal pneumonia increases with age.
YOU ANSWERED: 50–64
May be at risk based on age.
Age is one of the primary risk factors for pneumococcal pneumonia. Even healthy adults as young as 50 may be at risk.
YOU ANSWERED: 65+
May be at increased risk based on age.
Age is one of the primary risk factors for pneumococcal pneumonia, and even healthy adults 65 years or older are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.
Chronic conditions like COPD, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes may increase pneumococcal pneumonia risk.
Chronic conditions can make people more vulnerable to potentially serious illnesses like pneumococcal pneumonia. In the U.S. alone, over
KNOW YOUR RISK
Do you have any chronic conditions (e.g., COPD, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes) or a weakened immune system?
YOU ANSWERED: YES
May be at risk based on chronic conditions.
Chronic health conditions like COPD, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes, can increase the risk for pneumococcal pneumonia.
YOU ANSWERED: NO
May not be at risk based on chronic conditions alone.
Although you may not be at risk due to chronic conditions, it's important to remember that one of the primary risk factors for pneumococcal pneumonia is age.
Smoking damages fragile lung tissue, making lungs more vulnerable to infection.
When lung tissue is damaged by smoking, there’s a higher risk of infection by the bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia.
KNOW YOUR RISK
Do you smoke?
YOU ANSWERED: YES
May be at risk based on lifestyle.
Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, can damage the fragile tissue lining the lungs. This makes pneumococcal pneumonia more of a threat to vulnerable lungs.
YOU ANSWERED: NO
May not be at risk based on lifestyle alone
While you may not be at increased risk due to lifestyle, it’s important to remember that even healthy adults age 65 or older are at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia.
Get a Doctor Discussion Guide.
Talk about your risk and learn about prevention options. Download or email the risk assessment
guide below to help start a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist.