Pomperaug District Department of Health
Facts About Pneumococcal Disease for Adults |
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What
is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by a certain type of bacteria.
If these bacteria invade the lungs, they may cause the most common kind
of bacterial pneumonia. The same bacteria can also attack the bloodstream
(bacteremia) and/or the brain (meningitis). The infection kills thousands
of people in the United States each year, most of them over 65 years
of age.
What
are the symptoms of pneumococcal disease?
The symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include high fever, cough with
chest pain and mucus, chest pain that increases with breathing, shaking
chills, and breathlessness. Changes in level of consciousness or the
presence of confusion are symptoms commonly found in older adults. However,
these symptoms are not always evident. The symptoms of pneumococcal
meningitis include stiff neck, fever, mental confusion and disorientation,
and photophobia (avoidance of looking at light due to pain). The symptoms
of pneumococcal bacteremia may include a combination of pneumonia, meningitis,
arthritis, and fever.
How
is pneumococcal disease prevented?
There is a vaccine to protect against pneumococcal disease. It is safe,
it works and one shot lasts most people a lifetime. People who get vaccinated
are protected against the most common types of bacteria that cause pneumococcal
disease.
Who
should get pneumococcal vaccine?
- People who are age 65 or older.
- People who have a chronic illness such as cardiovascular and pulmonary
diseases, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, cirrhosis, or cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF) leaks.
- People with a weakened immune system due to illnesses such as HIV
infection or AIDS, chronic renal failure, organ transplantation, Hodgkin's
disease, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and those who have had their
spleen removed.
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
- Alaskan Natives and certain American Indian populations.
Is the vaccine safe?
The vaccine is safe and effective in preventing illness and death due
to pneumococcal disease. Some people have mild side effects from the
shot, but these are usually minor and last only a short time. When side
effects do occur, the most common include swelling and soreness at the
spot where the shot was given. A few people experience fever and muscle
pain. As with any medicine, there are very small risks that serious
problems, even death, could occur after getting a vaccine. However,
the risks from the disease far outweigh the risks from the vaccine.
You cannot get pneumococcal disease from the vaccine.
Do
not take the shot if:
- You have had a serious reaction to pneumococcal vaccine
- You are pregnant or nursing
- You have a fever. (Delay the shot until the fever is gone)
- You are currently receiving radiation, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive
therapy
Reactions:
If you become ill and visit a doctor, hospital or clinic in the four
weeks after today's shot please report this to:
Pomperaug District Department of Health
800 Main Street
South Southbury, CT
203-264-9616
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