thelizardqueen
New member
I posted a thread a few days ago about trying to get info in regards to the Pneumonia vaccine, and it seemed that no one was really in agreement on how often or IF you should get the shot. Well I went down for my flu shot, and also got the Pneumo shot as well. My doctor informed me that he doesn't really see too much point in getting one, that it MAY be helpful, it MAY NOT, but he said it wouldn't hurt me if I got one.
Regardless, my nurse gave me some info on both the Flu and Pneumo shot, so I thought I'd pass it on FYI.
Pneumonia Vaccine:
- About 4 out of 10 people have Pneumococcal germs in their mouths and throats. For most healthy people, the germs don't cause serious illness. For some people, especially those aged 65 years and older, and those with certain medical problems, the germs can cause: Blood Poisoning (bacteremia), Infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal corse (meningitis), and Pneumonia.
- Lab tests show that about 150 Manitobans (not sure what the number would be for everyone else in different states and provinces), get pneumococcal disease each year, but the real number may be as high as 3,000.
- The Peumo shot can prevent pneumonia and other infections caused by 23 types of the Streptococcus Pneumoniae bacteria.
- If 10 people get the shot, about 6 of them will be protected from bacteremia and meningitis (hence why my doc doesn't deem it urgent and necessary).
- Children under the age of 2 years should not get the shot, as the vaccine does not work in their bodies. You should however get it, if you're 65 years and older, anyone two years of age and older who have certain health conditions, such as: chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease (except asthma), kidney disease, diabetes, AIDS/HIV, no spleen, a spleen that does not work well due to sickle-cell disease, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, thalassemia, low platelet levels, and anyone receieving high amounts of steroids, chemo or radiation.
- Only people at very high risk need to have a second dose. Your doctor or health nurse can tell you if you need a second dose. A second dose isn't needed (if recommended) until 5 years after your first. So for some its once in a lifetime, for others, its only twice in a lifetime.
Flu shot:
- Ways in which to protect yourself from the flu, are wash your hands often, particularly after coughing or touching your nose, keep your hands away from your eyes and nose, and stay home if you are sick.
- Children on long term aspirin therapy should get the shot, and children aged 6 to 23 months should get it.
- People like I mentioned earlier should get this shot, along with people with multiple sclerosis, alcoholism, mental disabilities, spinal cord injuries, nervous system and muscular disorders. Caregivers should also get the shot.
- The flu shot protects about 70% of healthy children and adults. Studies show that of 50-60% of nursing home residents are protected from hospitilization, and 85% protected from death.
- For infants 6-11 months of age, the vaccine is given in the upper thigh. Children 12 months and older, as well as adults are given the needle in the upper arm.
- The flu (if you do catch it), lasts 2-7 days, sometimes longer. Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat, and exhaustion.
- Some people may carry the flu virus and never present symptoms, and pass it on to others.
Hope this has been helpful for some.
Regardless, my nurse gave me some info on both the Flu and Pneumo shot, so I thought I'd pass it on FYI.
Pneumonia Vaccine:
- About 4 out of 10 people have Pneumococcal germs in their mouths and throats. For most healthy people, the germs don't cause serious illness. For some people, especially those aged 65 years and older, and those with certain medical problems, the germs can cause: Blood Poisoning (bacteremia), Infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal corse (meningitis), and Pneumonia.
- Lab tests show that about 150 Manitobans (not sure what the number would be for everyone else in different states and provinces), get pneumococcal disease each year, but the real number may be as high as 3,000.
- The Peumo shot can prevent pneumonia and other infections caused by 23 types of the Streptococcus Pneumoniae bacteria.
- If 10 people get the shot, about 6 of them will be protected from bacteremia and meningitis (hence why my doc doesn't deem it urgent and necessary).
- Children under the age of 2 years should not get the shot, as the vaccine does not work in their bodies. You should however get it, if you're 65 years and older, anyone two years of age and older who have certain health conditions, such as: chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease (except asthma), kidney disease, diabetes, AIDS/HIV, no spleen, a spleen that does not work well due to sickle-cell disease, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, thalassemia, low platelet levels, and anyone receieving high amounts of steroids, chemo or radiation.
- Only people at very high risk need to have a second dose. Your doctor or health nurse can tell you if you need a second dose. A second dose isn't needed (if recommended) until 5 years after your first. So for some its once in a lifetime, for others, its only twice in a lifetime.
Flu shot:
- Ways in which to protect yourself from the flu, are wash your hands often, particularly after coughing or touching your nose, keep your hands away from your eyes and nose, and stay home if you are sick.
- Children on long term aspirin therapy should get the shot, and children aged 6 to 23 months should get it.
- People like I mentioned earlier should get this shot, along with people with multiple sclerosis, alcoholism, mental disabilities, spinal cord injuries, nervous system and muscular disorders. Caregivers should also get the shot.
- The flu shot protects about 70% of healthy children and adults. Studies show that of 50-60% of nursing home residents are protected from hospitilization, and 85% protected from death.
- For infants 6-11 months of age, the vaccine is given in the upper thigh. Children 12 months and older, as well as adults are given the needle in the upper arm.
- The flu (if you do catch it), lasts 2-7 days, sometimes longer. Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat, and exhaustion.
- Some people may carry the flu virus and never present symptoms, and pass it on to others.
Hope this has been helpful for some.