Seniors Should Receive Pneumococcal Vaccine Now to Prevent Future Flu Complications

May is Older Americans Month

Philadelphia, PA, April 27, 2005– What can seniors do to avoid serious illness or even death if the flu vaccine shortage continues into the next flu season? Make sure they have received their pneumococcal vaccinations. While it is still vital for seniors to receive their annual flu shots, the one-time pneumococcal vaccination provides a lifetime of protection from pneumococcal pneumonia, a common and serious complication of the flu.

“Everyone should routinely receive the pneumococcal vaccine when they turn 65. Seniors should check with their doctors to make absolutely sure they have received this safe, effective vaccination,” says Todd Goldberg, MD, geriatrician at Albert Einstein Medical Center. “Pneumococcal vaccination does not replace the flu shot, but this one-time vaccine is a simple way to further protect seniors from serious illness,” explains Dr. Goldberg.

Unlike the flu shot, pneumococcal vaccine can be given at any time of the year, not just in the winter months. Although a booster shot is sometimes needed five years after the initial vaccination, most individuals need only one shot to protect themselves for the rest of their lives. Medicare and Medicaid cover the vaccination. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the combination of pneumonia and flu is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, mostly in individuals 65 years of age and older. Fortunately, the pneumococcal vaccine can prevent up to 60 percent of serious pneumococcal infections (although it will not shield seniors from other types of pneumonia).

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), Einstein at Elkins Park, MossRehab, Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations.  Einstein also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare.  To make an appointment with an Einstein physician, call 1-800-EINSTEIN or visit www.einstein.edu.

CONTACT: Emily Schmitt
Marketing Specialist
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
215-456-6731
schmitte@einstein.edu

Publish date: April 27, 2005