From the Blog: Stay Ahead of Flu and Cold Season with Pneumonia Vaccines

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) and an important reminder to make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations.

While summer temperatures are starting their decline, respiratory viruses continue to rise at unprecedented rates as we head into fall. Leading to the importance of getting the recommended pneumonia vaccines especially if you fall into one of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specified high-risk age groups.

People Who Should Get the Pneumonia Vaccine

• Younger than 2 years old: four shots (at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and then a booster between 12 and 15 months)
• 65 years old or older: two shots
• Between 2 and 64 years old: between one and three shots if you have certain immune system disorders or if you are a smoker

How Often to Get the Pneumonia Vaccine

The pneumonia vaccine is not like a yearly flu shot. In the age groups outlined above, those are the only times that you will get the vaccine. After the two shots at age 65 or older, you will not need the vaccine again.

What is the Pneumonia Vaccine

Pneumococcal vaccines (also known as PCV and PPSV), can prevent pneumococcal disease, which refers to any illness caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Most people think of pneumonia when they hear pneumococcal bacteria, but that is just one of many types of illnesses that the bacteria can cause.

Illnesses Caused by Pneumococcal Bacteria

In addition to pneumonia, pneumococcal bacteria also can lead to:

• Ear infections
• Sinus infections
• Meningitis
• Bacteremia, or infection of the blood

For more information about the importance of the vaccine, please view these CDC fact sheets:

• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
• Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

As a reminder, it’s always best to speak with your family doctor or healthcare provider to ensure you are receiving the appropriate vaccines for your age group and particular disease state.