Now that winter is here, it's time for you to focus on keeping yourself healthy so that you can enjoy the season to its fullest.  One way that you can stay healthy is by getting your pneumoccocal pneumonia shot (or vaccination).  I’m sure you have the numerous articles about influenza (or flu) in the paper, especially amid the recent vaccination shortage, but I don’t believe that consumers hear enough about the dangers of pneumoccocal pneumonia. 

   Pneumoccocal pneumonia is different than viral pneumonia – you can protect yourself against pneumoccocal pneumonia by simply getting the pneumonia shot.  Pneumoccocal Pneumonia is a deadly bacteria that strikes hundreds of thousands of seniors throughout the year.  The bacteria causing this type of pneumonia doesn’t discriminate like the flu virus does and strike only in fall and winter – pneumoccocal pneumonia strikes year-round!  In this month’s column, I’d like to provide some information on pneumoccocal pneumonia and why it should be a top concern for older adults across Michigan.

  

What is pneumoccocal pneumonia and how serious is it? – Pneumonia is a serious disease that causes severe illness and can lead to death.  Approximately 40,000 people in the United States die each year due to pneumoccocal pneumonia-related diseases.  This is higher than the number of flu-related deaths!  In fact, pneumoccocal pneumonia kills more people each year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined.

 

When can you receive a shot for pneumoccocal pneumonia? – The vaccine to prevent this type of pneumonia can be given at any time throughout the year, unlike the influenza vaccine which is given only in the fall and early winter months.  The pneumonia shot can be administered at the same time as the influenza shot, or separately.

 

Who should get a pneumonia vaccination? – Everyone 65 years and older, and adults who have a chronic illness, weak immune system, or other conditions that would put them at risk.  If you are not sure if you have had the pneumonia vaccination, please consult with your doctor.  If you are unable to determine when you got your last shot, experts recommend you get another shot just to be sure.

 

How often is the pneumonia shot needed? – Most adults need only one shot.  However, there are two instances in which a person should receive a second vaccination:

·         If a person age 65 years and older received the shot before age 65 and it has been more than five years, that person should be re-vaccinated

·         If a person has a chronic disease and it has been more than five years since the initial vaccination, that person should also receive a second pneumonia vaccination

 

Does it hurt? – If you had the shot when you started reading this article, the initial discomfort associated with the shot would already be wearing off.  There is nothing to worry about, other than getting pneumoccocal pneumonia and being sick.  So don’t let a momentary needle prick keep you from staying as healthy as possible.

 

   If you or a loved one has any questions about pneumoccocal pneumonia speak to your health care provider.  Get your pneumonia shot and make sure you enjoy the New Year to its fullest!