Adult Immunizations: Pneumococcal
Adult Immunizations: PneumococcalEvery year, thousands of adults over the age of 65 suffer from severe illnesses, and many may evendie, from diseases that can be prevented.Pneumococcal disease is an infection that can cause many different types of illnesses, some mild,some very serious.The good news is that Pneumococcal disease can be prevented, the best way is to get vaccinated.Pneumococcal bacteria live in the noses and throats of many healthy people.It can cause a mild infection if it spreads to your ears or sinuses.But if it spreads to other parts of your body it can cause more serious infections.In your lungs it can cause pneumonia; in your bloodstream it can cause bacteremia; and in your spinal cordand brain it can cause meningitis; all very serious, even life-threatening health problems for people aged 65 orolder or for people with long-term health conditions.The best way to prevent Pneumococcal disease is to get vaccinated.These vaccines contain a dead part of a germ, in this case, the Pneumococcal bacteria.It won’t make you sick, but your body reacts to the vaccine by making antibodies which fight againstthe germs in order to protect your body.After getting a vaccine, when your body comes in contact with those germs again, it already has theability to fight them and can help prevent the infection.If you are 65 years old or older, over 19 years old and have certain health conditions, a weakenedimmune system or are a smoker talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated forPneumococcal disease.If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, tell your healthcare provider beforegetting these vaccines.If you are allergic to the ingredients in these vaccines, you should not get them. Most vaccines aregiven by injection.Most people will need two vaccines in order to fully prevent all types of Pneumococcal: PCV13 andPPSV23.You should receive a dose of PCV13 first.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG10036B EN AdultImmunizationsPneumococcal.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Adult Immunizations: PneumococcalIf you are over 65, aren’t immunocompromised, and have never received PCV13 before talk to yourhealthcare provider about if this vaccine is right for you.Twelve months later you can receive the dose of PPSV23. Those who are immunocompromised canreceive it earlier.Do not get both vaccines at the same time. Make sure you know which vaccine you are getting andhave received.In some cases your healthcare provider may recommend you get a booster of the PPSV23 vaccine tomake sure you are fully protected.The Pneumococcal vaccine is safe. But as with any medication, there is a small risk of side effects.The most common side effect is a reaction at the injection site. Look for redness, swelling and soreness at thesite. These should go away after a few days.Less common side effects may include fever and muscle aches.If you have a severe reaction like trouble breathing, hives, swelling of your face or throator if you have chest pain, fast heartbeat, dizziness, feel like you are going to pass outcall 911 and get help immediately.This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible side effects with yourhealthcare provider.You can get your Pneumococcal vaccine at your next healthcare appointment. Or you can get it atyour local pharmacy or community health clinic.It’s a good idea to keep a list of all vaccines you get so you don’t double-up in the future. Ask yourhealthcare provider for a print-out of your records or keep a log yourself. Your records should includethe date, type of vaccine dose and where you got it. Let a family member know where you keep thislist in case of emergency.Pneumococcal disease can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening health problems. But it can beprevented.If you are over the age of 65, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about getting vaccinated.It is the best way to prevent infection and stay healthy.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG10036B EN AdultImmunizationsPneumococcal.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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