Pneumococcal Vaccine and Its Relationship to Foot and Ankle Disease
What is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease is an infection with Streptococcal pneumoniae bacteria that can cause
pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis. Most Streptococal pneumoniae infections are easily
treatable with antibiotics but in rare cases complications can cause deafness, brain damage and
even death. It is spread from person to person through close contact. In some cases the
bacteria can be difficult to treat because some strains have become resistant to antibiotics.
How can pneumococcal disease impact foot and ankle disease?
Although pneumococcal disease does not directly cause foot and ankle problems, it can worsen
other chronic illnesses that can affect your feet and ankles including diabetes. Pneumococcal
infection can also weaken your immune system, which may make it harder for you to recover
from foot and ankle diseases or surgery.
How can I prevent pneumococcal disease?
Getting the pneumococcal vaccination can protect you from pneumococcal disease including
strains that are resistant to antibiotics. The pneumococcal vaccination is different than the Flu
Shot because one pneumococcal vaccine lasts a lifetime and the Flu shot is required each year.
Your primary care doctor is usually a great resource for obtaining the vaccine.
How can the pneumococcal vaccine impact my general health?
The pneumococcal vaccine causes your body to produce antibodies that can protect you from
getting the streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine
(PPSV) protects against 23 of the most common strains that cause pneumococcal disease. By
getting the pneumococcal vaccine, you reduce the chances of getting infected with
streptococcus pneumoniae and having serious complications, long-term effects or dying from
the bacteria.
Source:
CDC. (6 October 2009). Pneumococcal Polysaccharide VIS. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/ppv.html
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