ASK THE DOCTOR - Pneumonia Vaccine

My doctor told me that I should get a pneumonia shot, what is that and is it the same as the flu shot?

Viral pneumonia is a serious complication of Influenza (the flu). Taking the flu shot each season will help protect you from the most common flu strains for that year.

The adult pneumonia shot, Pneumovax, is different from the flu shot. It protects against 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria. These bacteria commonly cause pneumonia, which can be life threatening in older adults. The bacteria can also cause serious infections in the blood, spinal cord and brain which life are threatening as well.
The vaccine does not prevent every type of pneumonia, but it's very effective at protecting people from these more dangerous pneumococcal diseases. The pneumococcal vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective at preventing illness for up to 10 years. Side effects include pain or redness at the injection site, fever and muscle aches. A booster is recommended after 10 years.
The shot is covered by Medicare and recommended for all patients over 65. The vaccine protects against 88 percent of the pneumococcal bacteria that cause pneumonia. No shot can protect you against all types of pneumonias but pneumococcal pneumonias are the leading cause of vaccine preventable deaths in the US. Just think - here is a great New Year’s resolution that Uncle Sam will even pick up the tab for.

If you would like to submit a question please contact Jennifer Trebler at jtrebler@ramonavna.org.