Every year nearly 40,000 Americans die from pneumococcal pneumonia which they developed as a complication to a cold or flu.
Do you need a pneumonia shot in addition to a flu shot this year? You need to discuss taking the PPV if you are:
- over age 65
- over the age of two and have any long-term, chronic health conditions such as COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or sickle-cell disease
- over the age of two and have any underlying disease that suppresses your immune system such as cancer, HIV, or organ failure
For most, one dose is sufficient for a lifetime, however, in some instances, a booster is being recommended after five years. Check with your primary care practitioner to determine if you need this vaccine, or need a booster.
Read more about the pneumonia shot.
