How ofter does the average person need a pneumonia vaccine shot? is it usually given at childhood?

Yes: it is given in childhood but it is also given to adults over age 65 and to those adults felt to be at risk for pneumococcal disease ( like smokers and asthmatics) There has been a vaccine available since the 70s but if you were not in one of the at risk groups you probably did not get it. You only need the vaccine once unless you are felt to be at very high risk, then twice. Talk to your Dr.

Pneumococcal Vaccine: Streptococcus Pneumoniae is a bacterium; causes severe invasive infections: pneumonia, meningitis, & more. Highest risk of infection occurs in children, elderly, those with serious underlying illnesses. Children receive routine vaccination beginning at age 2 mos; adults routinely over age 65 yrs. There are 2 types of vaccines in use. Read more at: http://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccination.html