Seniors encouraged to get pneumonia vaccine

Pneumonia is a serious disease for senior adults or those with a weakened immune system.

As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends seniors get vaccines for pneumoccal disease along with the more common flu shot.

Each year in the United States, pneumococcal disease kills thousands of adults, including 18,000 adults 65 or older. Thousands more end up in the hospital because of the disease. Pneumococcal disease can cause severe infections of the lungs (pneumonia), bloodstream (bacteremia) and lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). The best way to prevent pneumococcal disease is by getting vaccinated.

There are two vaccines that can prevent pneumococcal disease:

PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)

PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine)

The CDC recommends 2 pneumococcal vaccines for all adults 65 or older.

Most private health insurance policies cover pneumococcal vaccines. Seniors should check with their insurance provider for details on whether there is any cost and for a list of in-network vaccine providers. Medicare Part B also covers 100 percent of the cost for both vaccines (when administered at least 1 year apart).

Pneumococcal vaccines may be available at private doctor’s offices, public or community health clinics, or pharmacies.

The bacteria can cause many types of illnesses that range from mild to very severe. When the bacteria spread from the nose and throat to ears or sinuses, they generally cause mild infections.

Spread of the bacteria to other parts of the body can lead to severe health problems, such as pneumonia and meningitis.

These illnesses can be life threatening, especially for adults 65 or older, people with chronic health conditions and people whose immune systems are weakened by disease or medicine.

Pneumococcal bacteria spread from person to person by direct contact with respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus. People can carry the bacteria in their nose and throat and can spread the bacteria without feeling sick.