Adult Center to host pneumonia clinic

Date: 1/13/2009

LONGMEADOW -- The Longmeadow Board of Health has scheduled a Pneumonia Vaccination Clinic for Longmeadow adult residents on Jan. 16 from 8:45 to 10 a.m. at the Nurse's Room in the Greenwood Adult Center, 231 Maple Rd.



Pneumonia infections can develop in individuals who get the flu. Pneumonia infections secondary to flu infections can lead to serious and even life-threatening illness.



Immunization to prevent invasive pneumonia infection is recommended for individuals over age 65, individuals of any age who have chronic diseases of the heart, kidney or pulmonary (respiratory) system or are immuno-suppressed. Recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has expanded the target groups at high risk of pneumonia infection who are recommended to receive this vaccine to specifically include adults (individuals 19 years or older) who have asthma or are cigarette smokers.



This immunization is free for individuals who have Medicare Part B insurance. If you have Medicare Part B, kindly bring your Medicare Card and supplemental insurance cards to the clinic so that the Board of Health can submit for reimbursement for the administration for the vaccine. The charge for all other individuals is $3.



Kindly call the Board of Health at 565-4150 prior to Jan. 15 to reserve a shot.



Also, please be advised that it is not too late to receive the annual flu shots! Flu shots will be administered to adult Longmeadow residents throughout the month of January by appointment with the Town Nurse; call 565-4150. The charge for flu shots is the same as stated for pneumonia vaccinations.