Pneumonia Vaccine: Why You Need It After 50
Why Your Doctor Recommends a Pneumonia Vaccine at 57
Dear Doctors: I just turned 57, and my doctor is now saying that I should get vaccinated for pneumonia. The only time I ever had pneumonia was one time when I had a bad case of the flu. Why isn’t he talking about a flu vaccine? I would like to understand the thinking here.
It’s great that you’re proactive about your health! While the flu vaccine is important, your doctor is likely recommending the pneumonia vaccine due to your age and the specific type of pneumonia you experienced.
Pneumonia occurs when the air sacs in your lungs become inflamed, filling with fluid or pus. This makes it tough to breathe and can range from mild to severe.You mentioned having pneumonia during a bout of the flu. This means you had viral pneumonia, caused by a virus. However, your doctor is concerned about a different type: bacterial pneumonia.
The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the U.S. is Streptococcus pneumoniae,also known as pneumococcus bacteria. This bacterium is the target of the pneumonia vaccine.
Age plays a meaningful role in pneumonia severity. As we get older, our immune systems weaken, making us more susceptible to infections. Older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions that can worsen pneumonia.
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lowered the recommended age for the pneumonia vaccine from 65 to 50 due to rising rates of pneumococcal pneumonia.
At 57, you fall within this updated recommendation. The vaccine not only protects against pneumonia but also other serious infections caused by pneumococcus bacteria, including sinus, ear, and blood infections, as well as meningitis.
While the flu vaccine is crucial for preventing influenza, the pneumonia vaccine specifically targets a different threat, making it an critically important part of your health plan as you age.
Doctors explain: Why You Need a Pneumonia Vaccine at 57
Q: dear Doctors: I just turned 57, and my doctor is now saying that I should get vaccinated for pneumonia. The only time I ever had pneumonia was one time when I had a bad case of the flu. Why isn’t he talking about a flu vaccine? I would like to understand the thinking hear.
A: Great question! While the flu vaccine is essential, your doctor is highly likely recommending the pneumonia vaccine as of your age and the specific type of pneumonia you experienced.
You mentioned having pneumonia during a bout of the flu. This means you had viral pneumonia, caused by a virus. However, doctors are concerned about a different type: bacterial pneumonia. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the U.S. is Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus bacteria.
This bacterium is the target of the pneumonia vaccine.
Age plays a meaningful role in pneumonia severity. As we get older, our immune systems weaken, making us more susceptible to infections. Older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions that can worsen pneumonia.
Recent data led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to lower the recommended age for the pneumonia vaccine from 65 to 50 due to rising rates of pneumococcal pneumonia.
At 57, you fall within this updated proposal. The vaccine not only protects against pneumonia but also other serious infections caused by pneumococcus bacteria, including sinus, ear, and blood infections, as well as meningitis.
While the flu vaccine is crucial for preventing influenza, the pneumonia vaccine specifically targets a different threat, making it a vital part of your health plan as you age.