Health Department Offers No-Cost Pneumonia Vaccines for Adult Smokers, Others at Risk

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – The Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) now offers no-cost pneumonia vaccine for adults with an increased risk of serious illness from invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD).

 Hospitalizations from IPD are increasing in Sedgwick County, particularly among younger smokers. During the first three months of 2023, 62% of people hospitalized with IPD in Sedgwick County were smokers, and 59% were younger than 65 years old.

 In response to the increase in hospitalizations, SCHD now provides no-cost PCV20 (PREVNAR 20) for adults over age 65 and adults ages 19-64 with risk factors including cigarette smoking; diabetes; immune deficiency; heart, liver or lung disease; and other less common conditions.

 For a complete list of qualifying risk factors and more information about IPD and vaccines, visit https://schd.online/pcv20.

 The no-cost PCV20 shots are available as follows:  

Adults may be eligible to receive PCV20 even if they previously received a different pneumonia vaccine. To check for eligibility or check your vaccination status, contact SCHD at (316) 660-7300 or vaccinations@sedgwick.gov.