Pneumonia

Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection, which affects the lungs but can also attack other parts of the body. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)  recommends that people 65 and older get the pneumococcal vaccine. The shot is safe and can be given at the same time as the flu shot. Most people only need a single dose. However, the CDC advises people 65 and older to have a second dose of the pneumococcal vaccine if they received the shot more than 5 years previously and were younger than 65 when they were first vaccinated. No one should receive more than 2 total doses of the pneumococcal vaccine available now.

Pneumococcal disease is treated with antibiotics. However, in recent years the bacteria that causes pneumococcal disease has become more and more resistant to medications. The third leading cause of death in 1998 was of acute lower respiratory infections (For more information go to World Health Organization at http://www.who.int/en/ )This is one reason why prevention is so important. Much of the illness and death caused by pneumonia can be prevented by a pneumococcal vaccine. 

About half of the people who get the shot have minor side effects - temporary swelling, redness, and soreness at the place on the arm where the shot was given. A few people (less than 1%) have fever, muscle pain, or more serious swelling and pain at the injections site.

One of the best ways to protect yourself against pneumococcal disease is with a pneumococcal vaccine from Shots on the Spot . . . and remember, we come to you . . . on the spot.

Vaccinations          Health Fairs          Other Services          Scheduling

© 2003