Vaccines are very important because they help prevent serious illnesses and their problems. In the past, many people have died from diseases like pneumonia and pneumococcal meningitis. However, thanks to vaccines, such as the pneumococcal vaccine, we have the ability to keep people safe from these diseases.

At MHP, we want to make sure you and your family stay healthy! Talk to your doctor to get your pneumococcal vaccine and any other vaccines you need.

What is the pneumococcal vaccine? The pneumococcal vaccine is a shot that helps protect both kids and adults from a type of bacteria that can make you very sick. This bacteria spreads through tiny droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, causing pneumococcal disease.   It can cause different serious illnesses including:

· Bacteremia, a bloodstream infection

· Bacterial meningitis, inflammation and infection in the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord

· Pneumonia, a serious lung infection

· Sepsis, an extreme, life-threatening reaction to an infection

Who needs the pneumonia vaccine? Experts recommend that babies, older adults and other high-risk people get the pneumococcal vaccine. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines:

· Pneumococcal conjugate types (PCV13, PCV15 and PCV20) protect against 13, 15 and 20 different types of pneumococcal bacteria, respectively, including the ones most likely to cause childhood infections.

· Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) protects against 23 different types of pneumococcal bacteria.

Your age and health history affect when you need the pneumococcal vaccine. Your pneumococcal vaccine schedule may also vary based on which type of vaccine you get.

Pneumococcal vaccine schedule Babies should get four doses of either PCV13 or PCV15 at:

· Less than 2 months old

· 4 months old

· 6 months old

· 12 to 15 months old

PCV15, PCV20 or PPSV23 may be appropriate for:

· Adults 65 and older

· Adults 19 to 64 with medical conditions that increase their risk of pneumococcal disease

Adults have increased risks of pneumococcal disease if they have:

· Asthma

· Cirrhosis

· Diabetes

· Heart disease

· History of alcohol misuse

· History of smoking

· Lung disease

How many pneumococcal shots are required for adults? Typically, adults need one to two pneumococcal shots. Your health care provider will tell you how many shots you need and when to get them based on several factors, including your age and overall health.

Need to Schedule your Vaccine? Contact your primary care provider to schedule your pneumococcal vaccine, along with any other routine vaccinations you may need.

This vaccine is available at the MedWorks Pharmacy, no appointment necessary and walk-ins welcomed, for those who are 11 years old and up. If you are under 18, you will need a legal guardian present.