Longmeadow schedules Pneumonia Vaccination ClinicDate: 9/6/2011 LONGMEADOW – The Longmeadow Board of Health has scheduled a Pneumonia Vaccination Clinic open to Longmeadow residents age 19 years or older on Oct. 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Nurse’s Room in the Greenwood Center, Adult Wing, 231 Maple Road.
Pneumonia infection is a significant risk for individuals who get the flu. Pneumonia infections secondary to flu infections can lead to serious and even life-threatening illness.
Immunization to prevent pneumonia infection is recommended for the following high risk groups:- Individuals older than age 65.
- Individuals of any age.
- Those who have chronic diseases of the heart, kidney, or pulmonary (respiratory) system, diabetics or other individuals who are immuno-suppressed.
- Those who smoke cigarettes.
- Those individuals who have asthma.
Kindly note, that unlike flu shots, pneumonia shots provide long-term immunity. In general, a pneumonia shot administered at age 65 or older confers immunity for the remainder of one’s lifetime.
If an individual received an initial pneumonia shot between ages 60 and 65, it is not necessary to be revaccinated until five years have elapsed from the first shot.
For individuals who were under age 60 when they received their first pneumonia shot, revaccination is performed sometime after the 65th birthday.
If there is no record of prior immunization for an individual within a high risk group, the recommendation is to vaccinate.
This immunization is free for individuals who have Medicare Part B insurance. Those who have Medicare Part B, should bring their Medicare Card and supplemental insurance cards to the clinic. The charge for all other individuals is $10.
This immunization requires advanced registration so that sufficient vaccine will be available. Call the Board of Health at 565-4140 on or before Sept. 23 to reserve a pneumonia shot.
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