On the radio this morning, there was a short piece done on the importance of seniors getting a pneumonia shot. Senior Health Advisor
"Who should have the shot?
Your healthcare provider may recommend the shot if:
* You are 65 years old or older.
* You are scheduled to have chemotherapy (have the shot at least 2 weeks before chemotherapy starts).
* You have diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.
* You have leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, or lymphoma.
* You are an alcoholic.
* You have HIV/AIDS, an organ transplant, or another condition that has weakened your immune system.
* You have sickle cell disease.
* Your spleen has been removed.You should have no more than 2 shots of the pneumonia vaccine in your lifetime. The shots should be given at least 5 years apart."
Don't get the vaccination if you have an allergic reaction to mercury or are a smoker.