The Central Connecticut Health District is advising residents to discuss with their physician whether or not they need a pneumonia vaccination. In response to the outbreak of the novel H1N1 influenza outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control has issued new interim recommendations for the pneumonia shot.
According to the new guidelines, the following people should be vaccinated against pneumonia:
- All adults aged 65 and older
- Anyone aged 2 - 64 with the following:
- Diabetes
- Chronic pulmonary disease (including COPD and emphysema)
- Alcoholism
- Chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis
- Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
- People with no spleen or sickle cell disease
- People with compromised immune systems due to conditions such as HIV infection, AIDS, leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, malignancies, chronic renal failure, or multiple myeloma
- Anyone receiving chemotherapy (including corticosteroids) or who has received an organ or bone marrow transplant
- Anyone aged 19 - 64 who smokes or has asthma
A second shot should be given at least five years after the initial vaccination to people who were under 65 when they were first vaccinated as well as to people considered to be at high risk. At this time, it is not recommended to give the pneumonia shot to those who do not fall into one of the high risk groups.
For further information about pneumonia vaccination or the novel H1N1 influenza, visit the web site for the Centers for Disease Control or the Central Connecticut Health District.