Dr. Kristopher McDonough, a critical care pulmonologist on the medical staff at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, said on May 29 that receiving the pneumonia vaccine can prevent bacterial pneumonia or reduce its severity. His comments follow questions raised after the death of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, which was attributed in part to bacterial pneumonia.
McDonough said he suspects Busch’s case may have resulted from a previous health issue, similar to many cases he encounters following respiratory illnesses such as influenza. “We see a lot of cases of bacterial pneumonia, especially during the fall and winter when respiratory illnesses are at their peak,” McDonough said. “But they can occur any time during the year.”
He noted that people with pre-existing conditions—such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, or those taking medications affecting immune response—are particularly vulnerable. For most individuals, McDonough recommends receiving a single dose of the pneumonia vaccine after age 50 and definitely after age 65. He added that those with pre-existing conditions should consider vaccination earlier.
“If you have symptoms, the more quickly you get antibiotics, the better chances for a positive outcome,” McDonough said. “Even if it turns into sepsis—spreading to other organs in the body—80 percent of people who get immediate care in the ICU end up walking out of the hospital. But don’t let it get to that point.” He also emphasized that while one dose is often sufficient for life (pending provider confirmation), annual flu shots remain important to help prevent bacterial pneumonia.
“Medicare and other insurance cover these vaccines, even if you get them at a pharmacy instead of a doctor’s office,” McDonough said. He urged patients not to ignore symptoms: “And don’t try to just ‘shake it off,’ thinking it will clear up on its own. Look what happened to Kyle Busch… Take the symptoms seriously. The sooner you are treated, the better the chances for a complete recovery.”
The Midwest Institute for Lung at Silver Cross Hospital provides local management for nearly all lung disorders except transplant surgery and was recognized by U.S. News & World Report in 2025 as high-performing in COPD treatment.
