Pneumonia Shot Available

Through Health Centers

While most people are familiar with the benefits of getting a flu shot annually, many do not recognize the benefits of getting a one-time pneumonia shot.

There are an estimated 500,000 cases of pneumonia in the US each year and pneumonia infection kills more than 40,000 of these people each year, more than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined, according to the Center for Disease Control. Many of the most serious complications arising from pneumonia can be prevented with an appropriate vaccination.

“Taking the pneumonia vaccine is one of the most important and effective steps that a healthy older adult or person with chronic illness can do to prevent a serious illness this winter,” said Dr Karen Brown of the Yale-New Haven Primary Care Center. “We try to make sure that anyone receiving a flu shot is also offered the pneumonia vaccination if it is appropriate.”

A pneumonia shot is recommended for people 65 years or older and for people with certain chronic diseases such as sickle cell disease, alcoholism, diabetes, heart or lung disease. It is also advisable for those with a weakened immune system due to organ transplantation, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, chronic renal failure or a dysfunctional spleen.

The pneumonia shot is effective in preventing up to 60 percent of serious pneumonia infections, which compares favorably with a 70 percent effectiveness rate for flue shots, according to health reports.

The American Lung Association and Yale-New Haven Hospital’s Health Directors Forum, a group of community health center directors, have set up a toll-free telephone number for information about pneumonia and flu shots – 888/NOTOFLU or 888/668-6358.