Seasonal Newsletter Article
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Flu May Not Be the Only Vaccine You Need this Season
Don’t Leave Yourself Needlessly Vulnerable to Deadly Diseases
Many adults know that influenza, or the flu, is a serious disease that can lead to
hospitalization and even death. What they may not know is that pneumococcal disease
is a common complication of the flu that can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and
bloodstream infection. In the US, pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis, and
bloodstream infections kill tens of thousands each year, including nearly 18,000 adults
age 65 years and older. The good news is that vaccination can help protect you against
pneumococcal disease.
Certain adults are at greater risk of getting pneumococcal disease or suffering
complications from it. This includes those age 65 years and older as well as adults age
19-64 years with heart, liver, or lung disease; diabetes; asthma; HIV/AIDs and other
conditions that affect the immune system; smokers; and alcoholics.
If you fall into any of these categories, you should be vaccinated, even if you consider
yourself healthy. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID),
too many adults nationwide are unprotected against pneumococcal disease.
“We encourage adults in the community to ask about pneumococcal prevention when
they get their influenza vaccination,” said [INSERT LOCAL SPOKESPERSON].
“Receiving pneumococcal vaccination this year with your annual flu vaccine is an easy
way to check it off your list.”
Pneumococcal disease can be very serious and treatment may require hospitalization.
Some patients may need weeks or months to recover before returning to normal
activities. Getting vaccinated offers the safest and most effective protection.
To speak with us about which vaccines you need, please contact us at [INSERT PHONE
NUMBER/EMAIL].
October 2014
Adults Need Vaccines to Stay Healthy Too.
Are You Up to Date?
Vaccine
Who Should Receive It?*
Influenza
All adults, every year, including pregnant women
Hepatitis B
Adults who might come in contact with the infection and those
with certain underlying health conditions, like diabetes
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
All women age 26 and younger; all men age 21 and younger; and
men up to 26 years with certain underlying health conditions, if
not previously immunized
Pneumococcal
Adults 65 and older
Adults age 19 to 64 with certain health conditions
Shingles
Adults 60 and older
Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap)
booster
All adults who have never received it; pregnant women during
each pregnancy
*Check with your doctor or other healthcare provider if you believe you have a
contraindication to any vaccine.
For more information about adult vaccinations, visit adultvaccination.org
October 2014