Posted by Health Handouts | Posted in Health Tips, Wellness Tips | Posted on 21-08-2010
Pneumonia shots save lives by protecting against pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease is more than just pneumonia. It is a very serious disease. It could cause infection in your bloodstream and in the lining of your brain.
Anybody can get pneumococcal illness. Adults over the age of 65 are at greater risk for complications.
Everybody who is 65 or older should get a pneumonia shot.
When you’re younger than 65, you ought to get a pneumonia shot if you –
o Have chronic heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease or diabetes
o Have sickle cell disease
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 people receive the pneumonia shot when they reach 65. If 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 may be red or sore where the needle went in.
Ask your healthcare team when you need a pneumonia shot.