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The Pneumonia Vaccine: Your Best Shot for Good Health

New Jersey's adult pneumococcal vaccination rate is among the lowest in the nation. Each year, pneumococcal diseases like pneumonia kill more than 40,000 people, most of them senior citizens. Many of those deaths could have been prevented by a simple, one-time vaccination.
Launched in 2001, NJHA maintains statewide pneumonia vaccine program aimed at increasing the rate of immunization among seniors and people with chronic medical conditions. Through vaccination clinics, emergency rooms, inpatient care and other avenues, participating hospitals can help to protect these populations.

NJHA provided each participating hospital with a complete pneumonia vaccine kit that included everything needed to easily and effectively implement and promote this important outreach program. A limited supply of outreach kids and interactive CD-ROMs on penumococcal vaccination are still available to health care professionals. Any hospital that would like more information or would like to receive a campaign kit should contact NJHA's George Hartpence, director of Pharmacy at 609-936-2197 or ghartpence@njha.com.

The Pneumonia Vaccine:
Your Best Shot for Good Health
Questions and Answers for Consumers

What is the strep pneumonia vaccine?
The strep pneumonia vaccine can help protect you from getting pneumococcal disease. Some people call it the pneumonia shot, but it protects against more diseases than just pneumonia.

Pneumococcal disease can lead to serious illness and death. People that are at greater risk from the disease are those 65 or older, the very young and people with special health problems. Pneumococcal disease is caused by the streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. This bacteria can lead to serious infections of the lungs (pneumonia), blood (bacteremia) and brain (meningitis)

Who should get the vaccine?
All adults age 65 and older or anyone over two years old who has long-term health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, alcoholism, cirrhosis or cerebrospinal fluid leaks should get the vaccine.

In addition, anyone over two years old who has a disease or condition that lowers the body's resistance to infection, including Hodgkin's disease, Lymphoma, leukemia, kidney failure, multiple myeloma, nephrotic syndrome, HIV or AIDS, damaged or no spleen and organ transplant, should get the vaccine.

When should I get the vaccine?
The strep pneumonia vaccine can be given at your convenience, any time of the year. If you are 65 or older, you only need the vaccine once in your lifetime.

What if I don't remember if I've already had the vaccine?
It's safe to get another one.

Are there any side effects from the strep pneumonia vaccine?
As with any medicine, there are a few risks. However, getting pneumococcal disease could kill you.

About half of those who get the vaccine have very mild side effects, such as redness or soreness where the shot is given. Less than 1 percent develop mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever or muscle aches. If you develop a serious reaction, such as hives or difficulty breathing, call your doctor immediately.

Is the vaccine covered by Medicare?
Yes, the strep pneumonia vaccine is covered by Medicare Part B, so remember to bring your Medicare card.