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Pneumonia is often associated with coughing, fever and breathing difficulties, but some types of pneumonia can become much more serious, particularly in older adults and people with certain health conditions.
For people searching for a pneumonia vaccine Calgary option, understanding pneumococcal disease, who is at higher risk, which vaccines are available, and where vaccination may be available can make healthcare decisions much easier.
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can cause pneumonia as well as other infections, including meningitis and bloodstream infections known as invasive pneumococcal disease.
Alberta’s current routine immunization schedule recommends pneumococcal conjugate vaccination for adults 65 years of age and older. Certain younger adults may also be eligible because of medical or other risk factors.
Kinsol Pharmacy lists Pneumonia Vaccines among its immunization services, making it relevant for Calgary residents looking for local vaccination information.
For a broader overview of available services, visit Kinsol Pharmacy Services.
What Is Pneumococcal Disease?
Pneumococcal disease refers to infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
The infection can affect different parts of the body.
Depending on the type and location of infection, pneumococcal disease can cause:
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Bloodstream infections
- Ear infections
- Sinus infections
Some infections are relatively mild, while invasive pneumococcal disease can become life-threatening.
Alberta Health notes that serious pneumococcal infection can be particularly dangerous for very young children, older adults and people with certain chronic health conditions.
That is why pneumococcal vaccination is an important part of preventive healthcare for people who meet the recommended criteria.
Is Pneumonia the Same as Pneumococcal Disease?
Not exactly.
Pneumonia describes an infection or inflammation of the lungs.
Pneumococcal disease refers specifically to infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Pneumococcal bacteria can cause pneumonia, but they can also cause infections elsewhere in the body.
This distinction matters because the term “pneumonia vaccine” is commonly used by the public, while healthcare professionals generally refer to pneumococcal vaccines.
So if you are searching for pneumonia vaccine Calgary, you are generally looking for pneumococcal vaccination.
The Canadian Immunization Guide’s pneumococcal vaccine guidance provides detailed information about pneumococcal vaccination in Canada.
Who Should Get a Pneumococcal Vaccine?
Current Canadian recommendations focus particularly on older adults and adults with increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease.
NACI recommends that adults 65 years and older receive one dose of a higher-valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, either Pneu-C-20 or Pneu-C-21. Adults under 65 who have increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease should also receive one of these vaccines.
Alberta’s current routine schedule lists pneumococcal conjugate vaccination at 65 years of age or older.
However, age is not the only consideration.
Your healthcare provider may recommend pneumococcal vaccination earlier if you have specific medical or other risk factors.
Why Are Older Adults More Vulnerable?
The risk of serious pneumococcal disease increases with age.
As people get older, the immune system may not respond to infections as effectively as it once did.
Alberta specifically identifies older adults as being at greater risk of serious pneumococcal infection.
This is one reason pneumococcal vaccination is included in Alberta’s routine immunization recommendations for adults aged 65 and older.
If you are approaching or have passed 65, it is worth discussing your vaccination history with your pharmacist or healthcare provider rather than assuming your previous vaccines are sufficient.
Can Younger Adults Need a Pneumonia Vaccine?
Yes.
Being under 65 does not automatically mean pneumococcal vaccination is unnecessary.
Certain medical conditions and other risk factors can increase the likelihood of severe invasive pneumococcal disease.
NACI recommends higher-valency pneumococcal vaccination for adults under 65 who are at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease.
Risk factors can include certain chronic medical conditions, immune-system conditions and other circumstances.
Because eligibility depends on individual factors, a pharmacist or healthcare provider should assess your situation.
What Pneumococcal Vaccines Are Available?
Pneumococcal vaccination has changed over the years.
Current Canadian guidance includes higher-valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccines such as:
- Pneu-C-20
- Pneu-C-21
The Government of Canada states that adults aged 65 and older and adults under 65 at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease should receive one dose of either Pneu-C-20 or Pneu-C-21.
The choice of vaccine can depend on the provincial program, vaccine availability, previous vaccination history and individual circumstances.
Your healthcare provider can determine which vaccine is appropriate.
What Is Pneu-C-20?
Pneu-C-20 is a 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
It is designed to provide protection against 20 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
The vaccine is authorized for adults and is one of the higher-valency pneumococcal vaccines included in current Canadian recommendations.
Pneu-C-20 is also known by the brand name Prevnar 20.
The Canadian Immunization Guide currently lists Pneu-C-20 as one of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines used in adult vaccination.
What Is Pneu-C-21?
Pneu-C-21 is another higher-valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
Health Canada authorized Pneu-C-21 for adults 18 years and older in 2024.
It covers 21 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Current NACI recommendations allow either Pneu-C-20 or Pneu-C-21 for adults 65 years and older and adults under 65 at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease.
This means the exact vaccine offered can depend on the current provincial immunization program and vaccine availability.
How Many Doses Are Needed?
For many eligible adults, the current recommendation is one dose of either Pneu-C-20 or Pneu-C-21.
NACI’s current recommendation states that adults 65 years and older and adults under 65 at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease should receive one dose of either vaccine, regardless of certain previous pneumococcal vaccination histories.
However, previous vaccination history can affect the recommended schedule.
If you have previously received pneumococcal vaccines, tell your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Do not assume that your previous vaccination history is irrelevant.
What If You Already Had a Pneumococcal Vaccine?
This is where things become slightly more complicated.
Your previous vaccine may have been:
- Pneu-C-13
- Pneu-C-15
- Pneu-P-23
- Another pneumococcal vaccine
Current NACI recommendations specifically address people who were previously vaccinated and recommend appropriate higher-valency conjugate vaccination based on age, risk factors and vaccination history.
So bring your vaccination record if you have one.
If you do not know which pneumococcal vaccine you previously received, tell your healthcare provider.
Guessing is not a particularly sophisticated vaccination strategy.
Is the Pneumonia Vaccine Free in Alberta?
Funding depends on eligibility and the current provincial immunization program.
Alberta’s routine schedule includes pneumococcal conjugate vaccination for adults aged 65 and older.
People outside publicly funded eligibility may need to discuss private vaccination options and costs with a pharmacy or healthcare provider.
Because provincial funding policies can change, check current Alberta guidance before assuming a vaccine is free or paid.
You can review Alberta’s recommended vaccine information for current eligibility information.
Can You Get a Pneumonia Vaccine at a Calgary Pharmacy?
Pharmacy vaccination availability depends on the specific pharmacy, pharmacist authorization, vaccine supply, eligibility and current provincial requirements.
Kinsol Pharmacy lists Pneumonia Vaccines among its immunization services.
If you are searching for a pneumonia vaccine Calgary option, contacting the pharmacy before visiting is the sensible approach.
You can review Kinsol Pharmacy’s vaccination and immunization services to learn more.
Confirm current availability, eligibility, appointment requirements and pricing directly with the pharmacy.
What Should You Tell Your Pharmacist Before Vaccination?
Before receiving a pneumococcal vaccine, tell your pharmacist or healthcare provider about relevant health information.
This can include:
- Your age
- Previous pneumococcal vaccines
- Chronic medical conditions
- Immune-system conditions
- Current medications
- Previous serious vaccine reactions
- Severe allergies
- Recent illness
- Other vaccinations you have recently received
Your vaccination history is particularly important because the recommended pneumococcal schedule can vary depending on what you have received previously.
What Are the Benefits of Pneumococcal Vaccination?
The primary purpose of pneumococcal vaccination is to reduce the risk of serious pneumococcal disease.
Pneumococcal infection can cause pneumonia and invasive infections such as meningitis and bloodstream infection.
Alberta notes that serious pneumococcal disease can be particularly dangerous for older adults and people with certain risk factors.
Vaccination therefore forms an important part of preventive healthcare for people who meet the recommended criteria.
It does not eliminate every possible cause of pneumonia.
There are many different organisms that can cause pneumonia, so pneumococcal vaccination should not be interpreted as protection against every type of pneumonia.
Can the Pneumococcal Vaccine Prevent All Pneumonia?
No.
This is an important distinction.
Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and other organisms.
Pneumococcal vaccines specifically target disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
They do not protect against every respiratory infection or every cause of pneumonia.
That does not make them unimportant. It simply means expectations should be realistic.
What Are Common Side Effects?
Like other vaccines, pneumococcal vaccines can cause temporary reactions.
Possible reactions can include:
- Pain at the injection site
- Redness
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Mild fever
Most vaccine reactions are temporary.
Your pharmacist or healthcare provider can explain expected reactions based on the specific vaccine you receive.
If you develop severe or unusual symptoms after vaccination, seek appropriate medical advice.
Is the Pneumococcal Vaccine Safe?
Pneumococcal vaccines are used as part of routine and risk-based immunization programs in Canada.
Health Canada and public-health authorities continue to monitor vaccine safety.
The Canadian Immunization Guide provides detailed information about pneumococcal vaccine safety and recommendations.
Before vaccination, tell your healthcare provider about any previous serious vaccine reactions or known allergies.
Can You Get Other Vaccines at the Same Time?
Sometimes multiple vaccines can be administered during the same healthcare visit.
The appropriate approach depends on the vaccines involved, your vaccination history and your individual circumstances.
If you are also due for:
- Influenza vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Shingles vaccine
- Tetanus vaccine
- Travel vaccines
tell your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Kinsol Pharmacy offers several immunization services, including flu, shingles, travel and other vaccines.
Your pharmacist can determine the appropriate vaccination schedule.
Should Seniors Ask About Pneumococcal Vaccination?
Yes.
Adults aged 65 and older are specifically included in Alberta’s routine pneumococcal vaccination schedule.
Older adults also have a higher risk of serious pneumococcal disease.
If you are 65 or older and are unsure whether you have received the recommended pneumococcal vaccine, speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
If you have previous vaccination records, bring them with you.
What About Adults Under 65?
Adults under 65 may also qualify for pneumococcal vaccination if they have medical or other risk factors that increase their risk of invasive pneumococcal disease.
NACI recommends one dose of Pneu-C-20 or Pneu-C-21 for adults under 65 at increased risk.
Eligibility depends on the specific risk factor.
This is why the correct question is not simply:
“Am I under 65?”
The better question is:
“Do I have a risk factor that makes pneumococcal vaccination recommended for me?”
A healthcare professional can answer that based on your medical history.
What Happens During a Pneumonia Vaccine Appointment?
A typical vaccination consultation may include:
- Reviewing your age and eligibility.
- Checking your previous vaccination history.
- Reviewing relevant health conditions.
- Identifying potential contraindications.
- Discussing the appropriate vaccine.
- Explaining possible reactions.
- Administering the vaccine.
- Providing after-care information.
If your vaccination history is unclear, the pharmacist may need additional information before determining the appropriate schedule.
How Should You Prepare for Your Vaccine?
Preparation is usually straightforward.
Before your appointment:
- Bring your vaccination record if available.
- Tell the pharmacist about previous vaccine reactions.
- Mention relevant medical conditions.
- Provide information about current medications.
- Ask whether the vaccine is publicly funded for you.
- Ask about private insurance coverage if applicable.
- Ask which vaccine is being recommended.
- Ask whether you need another dose in the future.
These questions can save time and prevent confusion.
Can Pneumococcal Disease Be Serious?
Yes.
Invasive pneumococcal disease can be serious and potentially life-threatening.
Alberta Health notes that when adults develop pneumococcal infection involving the lungs or bloodstream, the risk of death can be significant, with older adults at higher risk.
The risk is also higher in people with certain chronic health conditions and other risk factors.
This is why vaccination is particularly important for recommended groups.
How Does Pneumococcal Disease Spread?
Pneumococcal bacteria can spread through respiratory droplets and saliva.
Transmission can occur when people cough, sneeze or have close contact.
Alberta notes that pneumococcal disease can spread through droplets of saliva and mucus.
Good respiratory hygiene and appropriate infection-prevention practices can help reduce exposure.
Vaccination adds another layer of protection for people who are eligible.
Pneumonia Vaccine vs. Flu Vaccine
These vaccines are not interchangeable.
The influenza vaccine helps protect against influenza viruses.
The pneumococcal vaccine targets Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Influenza and pneumococcal disease are different infections, although influenza infection can sometimes increase the risk of secondary bacterial complications.
This is why some people may benefit from receiving both vaccines according to current recommendations.
Kinsol Pharmacy lists both flu and pneumonia vaccines among its immunization services.
Pneumonia Vaccine vs. COVID-19 Vaccine
These are also different vaccines targeting different infections.
COVID-19 vaccines are designed to protect against SARS-CoV-2.
Pneumococcal vaccines target Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Having one does not replace the other.
Your healthcare provider can help determine which vaccinations are appropriate based on your age, health history and current recommendations.
Why Choose Kinsol Pharmacy for Immunization Services?
Kinsol Pharmacy provides a range of vaccination services, including:
- Pneumonia vaccines
- Flu vaccine
- COVID vaccines
- Shingles vaccine
- MMR vaccine
- Meningitis vaccine
- Tetanus vaccine
- Travel vaccines
You can explore Kinsol Pharmacy’s complete services for current information.
Kinsol Pharmacy has Calgary locations including:
Bridgeland
803 1 Ave NE
Calgary, AB T2E 7C5
Sage Hill
80 Sage Hill Rd NW Unit 110
Calgary, AB T3R 0S4
Before visiting, confirm current vaccine availability, eligibility, appointment requirements and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pneumonia vaccine?
The term “pneumonia vaccine” commonly refers to pneumococcal vaccines, which protect against disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections.
Who should get the pneumonia vaccine in Calgary?
Adults aged 65 and older are included in Alberta’s routine pneumococcal vaccination schedule. Adults under 65 with certain risk factors may also be eligible.
How many doses of the pneumococcal vaccine do adults need?
Current NACI recommendations generally call for one dose of either Pneu-C-20 or Pneu-C-21 for adults 65 and older and adults under 65 at increased risk, although previous vaccination history can affect recommendations.
What is Pneu-C-20?
Pneu-C-20 is a 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, also known by the brand name Prevnar 20. It is one of the higher-valency pneumococcal vaccines recommended for adults.
What is Pneu-C-21?
Pneu-C-21 is a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine authorized for adults in Canada. NACI recommends either Pneu-C-20 or Pneu-C-21 for adults 65 and older and adults under 65 at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease.
Is the pneumonia vaccine free in Alberta?
Funding depends on your age, health status and eligibility under Alberta’s current immunization program. Adults 65 and older are included in Alberta’s routine pneumococcal vaccination schedule.
Can I get a pneumonia vaccine at a Calgary pharmacy?
Kinsol Pharmacy lists Pneumonia Vaccines among its immunization services. Contact the pharmacy to confirm current availability, eligibility, appointment requirements and pricing.
Can I get a pneumonia vaccine if I already received one before?
Possibly. The recommended approach depends on which vaccine you previously received, when you received it, your age and your risk factors. NACI provides specific recommendations for people with previous pneumococcal vaccination.
Does the pneumonia vaccine prevent every type of pneumonia?
No. Pneumococcal vaccines protect against disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other organisms can also cause pneumonia.
What are common pneumococcal vaccine side effects?
Temporary injection-site pain, redness or swelling, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and mild fever can occur. Ask your healthcare provider about expected reactions for the specific vaccine you receive.
Should adults over 65 ask about pneumococcal vaccination?
Yes. Alberta’s current routine immunization schedule includes pneumococcal conjugate vaccination at age 65 and older.
Protect Your Health With the Right Vaccination Plan
Pneumococcal disease can be serious, particularly for older adults and people with certain medical or other risk factors.
If you are searching for a pneumonia vaccine Calgary option, the first step is to determine whether pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for you.
Adults aged 65 and older are included in Alberta’s routine pneumococcal vaccination schedule, while younger adults with increased risk may also qualify.
Kinsol Pharmacy lists pneumonia vaccines among its immunization services. You can visit Kinsol Pharmacy’s Services page for more information.
Do not assume your previous vaccination history is irrelevant. Bring your records, discuss your health history with a qualified professional and confirm the current Alberta recommendations before vaccination.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Vaccine recommendations, eligibility, availability and public funding can change. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist for advice based on your individual circumstances.
