ALA urges those with respiratory issues to seek out vaccinations

Date: 9/4/2014

GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The American Lung Association (ALA) is advising that everyone, especially those with lung problems, be vaccinated against respiratory infections.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already recommended that everyone over six months of age get vaccinated against the flu, but the ALA believes that many adults do not follow this advice.

Life threatening respiratory infections, like influenza and pneumonia can be very dangerous, especially for those that are at higher risk for complications.  This demographic includes adults who suffer from chronic lung diseases like COPD or asthma, individuals over the age of 65, and anyone in a household where smoking is common.

“One of the most important, health-preserving measures that people with chronic lung disease can take is to get the flu and pneumonia vaccines,” Melanie Kohr, RN, vice president of Clinic Operations at Passport Health, one of the largest influenza immunizers in the United States, said.  “The flu and pneumonia can be devastating to people with compromised respiratory health, like asthma sufferers and adults who smoke.  Vaccines are vital to protecting lung health, and I urge everyone to take charge of their health by getting vaccinated.”

To help raise awareness of the need for influenza, pneumonia and other vaccinations, the ALA recently sponsored “Not Just for Kids Week” which ended Aug. 30.  Indeed, the vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia are by no means just for kids, and adults with chronic lung disease should make an extra effort to get vaccinated this year.

For more information on these vaccinations please feel free to contact Passport Health by visiting www.passporthealthusa.com, or by calling 1-877-499-PASS(7277).