The Pneumonia Shot

Pneumonia shots save lives by protecting against pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease is more than just pneumonia. It’s a very serious disease. It may cause  infection in your bloodstream and in the lining of your brain.

Anyone can get pneumococcal disease. Adults over the age of 65 are at greater risk for complications.

Everybody who’s 65 or older should get a pneumonia shot.

When you are younger than 65, you ought to get a pneumonia shot when you –  

o  Have chronic heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease or diabetes

o  Have sickle cell illness

o  Have certain cancers such as Hodgkin’s illness, lymphoma, leukemia or multiple myeloma

o  Have had your spleen removed

o  Have a weakened immune system, caused by cancer, medicines, HIV, or AIDS

o  Are an Alaskan Native or Native American

o  Live in a nursing home or other care facility

Most individuals  receive the pneumonia shot when they reach 65. When you had a pneumonia shot before you turned 65, and got the shot more than 5 years ago, you will need a ‘booster’ shot.

After the shot, your skin could  be red or sore where the needle went in.

Ask your health care team if you need a pneumonia shot.

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