Is There Anything ‘pneu’ About Pneumonia Vaccinations


Posted January 7, 2015 by suleman

By Dr.Michele Libman Stuart - Actually, there is something new. There are two different commercial vaccines available, pneumovax and prevnar.
 
By Dr.Michele Libman Stuart - Actually, there is something new. There are two different commercial vaccines available, pneumovax and prevnar. The CDC used to recommend one or the other but now want everyone to have both. Prevnar was approved in 2011 by the FDA for adults 50 and older- prior to that, it was routinely given to infants and toddlers.

Pneumovax prevents serious blood, brain, and lung infections caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. These infections include pneumonia,meningitis and septicemia. Many strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae are resistant to antibiotics. In the U.S, more people die from pneumococcal disease each year than all other vaccine preventable diseases combined.

The best prevention is by vaccination, using a combination of the two vaccines mentioned above. Pneumococcal vaccination should be considered by many. here are just a few: Those who are 65 years of age and older. Those over two years of age with chronic heart or lung disorders, diabetes, chronic liver disease, alcoholism, chronic bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) or emphysema. Those over two years of age with spleen dysfunction (such as sickle cell disease), Leukemia, and immunosuppressive conditions such as Hiv Infection. Alaskan natives and certain American Indian populations.

If you are moderately to severely ill your primary care professional may recommend waiting to get the shot until after you recover. The CDC says can still get the vaccines if you have a mild illness, such as a cold or low grade fever.

Like all vaccines, both PPSV23 and PCV13 can have side effects, but the risk of harm or death from either is extremely rare. As with any vaccine, check with your doctor for any reasons you may not be a candidate. in my opinion, 99% of my patients would benefit from the injection given the minor risks associated with the injection. All of us here at Treasure Coast Primary Care and Treasure Coast Urgent and Family Care wish you the best of health in 2015.

Michele Libman, M.D is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine. Her practices, Treasure Coast Urgent & Family Care and Treasure Coast Primary Care have offices in Stuart and Port Saint Lucie. For More Information Visit https://www.tcurgentcare.com

Contact Information
Michele Libman, M.D
Name: Treasure Coast Urgent and Family Care
Address: 1050 SE Monterey Road, Suite 101, Stuart, FL,34994
Phone: (772)419-0560
website: https://www.tcurgentcare.com
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Issued By Michele Libman, M.D
Website Treasure Coast Urgent and Family Care
Country United States
Categories Health
Tags treasure coast primary care , treasure coast urgent and family care
Last Updated January 7, 2015