Monmouth County's Ask The Doctor Magazine Nov/Dec 2020

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People Over 65 Need To Get Pneumococcal Vaccines Now More Than Ever Because Of The COVID-19 PandeMic By, Lauren Kowlacki

Pneumococcal Pronounced (noo-muh-KOK-uhl) is any type of illness caused by Streptococcus pneu- moniae bacteria. It is common in young children, but older adults are at greatest risk of serious illness and death. Pneumococcal pneumonia is an example of a seri- ous flue-related complications that can cause death. You can get the pneumococcal vaccine your provider recom- mends when you get a flu vaccine. The CDC recommends Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or PPSV23 for all adults 65 years or older, people 2 through 64 years old with certain medical conditions, and adults 19 through 64 years old who smoke cigarettes. People who are 65 years and older also should be up to date with pneumococcal vaccination to protect against pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Talk to your health care provider to find out which pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for you.

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HOLIDAY 2020

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