Winter Vaccinations
It’s time to make sure you are immunized against both the flu virus and the bacteria that commonly causes pneumonia. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated. It is recommended that everyone 50 years of age and older get a flu vaccination, and all people 65 years of age or older get a pneunmococcal vaccination.
Combined, pneumonia and flu are the fifth leading cause of death for older Americans. Each year up to 60,000 adults, age 65 or older, die of infectious diseases that can be prevented, such as flu and pneumococcal infection. About 1 out of every 20 people who get pneumococcal pneumonia dies from it. The costs of vaccinations are covered under Medicare.
Remember, flu vaccine can prevent up to 70% of hospitalizations and 85% of deaths related from flu-related pneumonia. Pneumococcal vaccine can prevent up to 60% of serious pneumococcal infections.
If you haven’t done so already, make an appointment with your physician and schedule your winter vaccinations. Also, for additional information on immunization clinics in your area contact: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Immunization Program at (800) 232-4636 or www.cdc.gov/nip; and/or the Immunization Action Coalition at (651) 647-9009 or www.immunize.org/.
The WRMPPF is a member of the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems and National Family Caregivers Association.
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