Pneumococcal infection can occur at any time of year but is a common and serious complication of the flu, NFID says. Born of the bacteria pneumococcus, pneumococcal can lead to an infection in the covering of the spinal cord and brain (meningitis), an infection in the bloodstream (bacteremia sepsis), an infection in the lungs (pneumonia) and an ear infection (otitis media). Those with invasive pneumococcal infection can experience serious complications, including cardiac events, hearing loss, seizures, blindness, paralysis and even death. NFID suggests that children under 2, those over 65 and young adults with chronic health issues get the pneumococcal vaccine. It is also recommended for adults who smoke cigarettes and suffer from alcoholism. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines available.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV):
· Given as a series of four doses at: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 12-15 months of age
· Delivered intramuscularly
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV):
· Recommended for all adults 65 years of age and older, individuals two through 64 years of age with certain health conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease, and adults 19-64 who smoke
· Delivered intramuscularly
NFID is urging all those recommended for the pneumococcal vaccination to seek it at the same time that they get the influenza vaccination. Pneumococcal disease is one of the most common and deadly complications from influenza, and both vaccinations help prevent these infections and reduce illness and death during influenza outbreaks. "There is a need to recognize the importance of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination as part of overall preventive care, and to better understand and overcome barriers to immunization," says William Schaffner, MD and NFID’s president.
A Blog From the American Society of Safety Engineers