You’ve probably had your ‘flu shot. Have you ever had a pneumonia shot?

Pneumonia – a bacterial infection in the lungs – is a common complication from the flu. In addition to a flu shot every fall, it’s a good idea to get a shot of pneumococcal vaccine. Older people may require only one in a lifetime, but especially if you are a cancer patient, it’s good to know it can be repeated every 6 years.

Why get the pneumococcal vaccine?

• Protect yourself against almost all of the bacteria that cause pneumonia.
• It’s safe.
• It’s covered by Medicare.
• Most people only need one shot to protect them for the rest of their lives.

Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine?

• People age 65 or older
• People with a chronic illness such as advanced prostate cancer, heart or lung disease, or diabetes;
• People with a weak immune system due to illness and/or the effects of chemotherapy
• Alcoholics

What are the side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine?

• You cannot get pneumonia from the vaccine. Some people may experience mild swelling and soreness at the spot where the shot was given. Some may experience a fever and/or muscle pain.

You can get more information on the pneumococcal vaccine from New York Methodist Hospital (Brooklyn) and from MetaStar, a non-profit health care quality improvement organization. Learn more about pneumonia from the American Lung Association