Topic Posted by: kt
Date Posted: Sat Dec 17 14:21:39 2011
Additional Comments:
Rosie posted a question about flu shots, and it made me think about my having had a pneumonia vaccination at Mayo, when I had my hips replaced. (Not fun at age 48...)
I was told that a person only needs one in their lifetime. I've had pneumonia twice since then!
Has anyone else ever had this vaccination?
Posted by: Liz Date posted: Sun Dec 18 21:26:20 2011
Message: The Pneumovax vaccine is effective in protecting the recipient from one type of bacterial pneumonia. The pneumococcal bacterium which is a particularly deady type of bacterial pneumonia. Unfortunately, pneumonia can result from a number of different infections caused by bacteria AND viruses. The pneumovax vaccine won't do diddly or squat to protect you against anything other than pneumococcal bacteria. It is also not true that you only need 1 shot in a lifetime. You should receive the vaccine if you have any type of chronic illness that affects the immune system. This would include diabetes, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, organ transplant recipient, asthma, etc.... a second vaccine should be administered after age 65. If you are a healthy person, it is advised that you get vaccinated with pneumovax at age 65 with a booster at a later date. Hope this clears it up a little bit. I have worked with vaccinations of all types for the last 13 years & have been the vaccine manager at 2 different medical facilities that I've worked in. It is an area of particular interest for me.
Posted by: Ricky Date posted: Sun Dec 18 19:37:53 2011
Message: In 2007, I took a pneumonia shot, and I distinctly remember the nurse saying it was only good for 5 years and should be repeated in 2012 if I wanted to keep it updated.
Posted by: Cassies grandma Date posted: Sat Dec 17 15:13:34 2011
Message: Here is more of what I found
Some experts say it may be best to get the shot before age 65--anytime after age 50--since the younger you are, the better the results. They also say people should have this shot even if they have had pneumonia before. There are many different kinds of pneumonia, and having one kind does not protect against the others. The vaccine, however, does protect against 88 percent of the pneumococcal bacteria that cause pneumonia. It does not guarantee that you will never get pneumonia. It does not protect against viral pneumonia. Most people need to get the shot only once. However some older people may need a booster; check with your doctor to find out if this is necessary.
Posted by: Cassies grandma Date posted: Sat Dec 17 15:12:31 2011
Message: you may have had viral pneumonia. The shot is for bacterial pneumonia
Sorry it is no fun being that sick.
