Prevent Hospital Mortality Because of Pneumonia

Pneumonia remains one of the top three diseases accounting for frequent hospitalizations in the United States. Although we cannot prevent all types of pneumonia, we can significantly cut complications and death by appropriate immunization.

Immunization is one of the most cost effective preventive care services available to help minimize the morbidity and mortality caused by many infectious diseases.

Routine vaccination available to adult patients provides protection against infection from Influenza and Pneumococcal disease.

The following guidelines are recommended by the Centers of Disease Control for routine immunization in adults:

Influenza Vaccine

• Yearly for all adults over 65 years
• Younger adults with risk factors such as COPD/asthma, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, hemoglobinopathy, and those with immunosuppressive conditions or cancer requiring chemotherapy

Pneumococcal Vaccine

• Yearly for all adults over 65 years
• Younger adults with risk factors such as COPD, cardiovascular disease diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, had splenectomy, and those with immunosuppressive conditions and on chemotherapy
• Revaccinate every 5 years