Pneumonia vaccine

[Jackiecoop8]

Good morning group. I have a question you folks that have asthma have you all had a pneumonia vaccine I get the flu vaccine every year but never had the pneumonia vaccine. Just wondering I am paranoid about this flu epidemic and wondering if I should be vaccinated for pneumonia as a precautionary measure.Any thoughts appreciated. God bless.

[Mahod Asthma Captain]

Morning Jackiecoop8,

My pulmonary care doc recommends yearly flu vaccine and Pneumonia (it's good for 5 year), but check with your doc. Also suggests shingles vaccination, depending on age.

[Hidden in reply to Mahod]

The pneumonia vaccine is really important if you’re on an inhaled corticosteroid. It unfortunately makes you more vulnerable to pneumonia. Also still be careful, wiping grocery carts and washing hands. There are actually TWO pneumonia vaccines. One protects you from 23 forms. The other protects from 17 more. BUT none of those 40 are the most common kind.

[Putnam Asthma Captain]

I get the vaccine . No side effects.

[Suerkaplan]

I had pneumonia for the first time last year. I was 59. I got the vaccine after that.

According to the CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention... cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/...

Adults at Risk for Pneumococcal Disease:

Some adults 19 through 64 years old are also at increased risk for pneumococcal disease, including those:

With chronic illnesses (chronic heart, liver, kidney, or lung [including chronic obstructive lung disease, emphysema, and asthma] disease; diabetes; or alcoholism)

[Wheazy]

My pulminologist gave me one the first time I saw him. I also had one approximately 6 yrs before that. According to the CDC, it is recommended for anyone with chronic health issues, including asthma. We're at a high risk for complications

[VincentW]

Yes, its HIGHLY recommended by my pulmonary specialist. I believe its needed every 5 to 7 years. I can't remember, but its best you get the pneumonia vaccine as a preventive measure! Be certain to check with your doctor.

[Jackiecoop8]

Thanks all. I am on board. Going to get my shot!

[Robin77]

Another thing: there are actually 2 pneumonia vaccines. There's a newer one which is standard. I did that one. The specialist recommends me to do the older one too, and I will. Apparently it covers for a bug or some bugs not included in the newer version. Sorry I don't remember the names of the vaccines.

[Camouflage in reply to Robin77]

I think both of the pneumonia shots are called Prevnar. One is 13, and I think the newest one is 23.

[Asthmagirl100]

I got mine a couple years ago

[krazy-girl]

Hi Jackiecoop8, Yes I have had the vaccine as with the asthma problems I deal with, I'm very suseptable to getting pneumonia. Am very thank ful with this flare I am currently in I didn't get pneumonia but bronchitis instead.