Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Pneumococcal Vacine

Dec. 25, 2006
READERS:
Each year 500,000 Americans develop pneumococcal pneumonia -- a common bacterial pneumonia that can lead to serious, possibly fatal, illness. Many people are unaware that a vaccine is available that helps protect against this form of pneumonia and reduces the serious complications of the disease. It's covered by Medicare and Medicaid.

Ask your doctor about the vaccine if you are age 65 or older, if you have serious long-term health problems, or if your resistance to infection is lowered due to medications you're taking to treat other conditions.