World Pneumonia Day is a global action initiative that has been observed worldwide every November 12th since 2009. As an organization with a mission to protect lung health, we’re using World Pneumonia Day to spread the news that yes, there’s a vaccine for that!
Pneumonia vaccine? Who knew?
In most cases, pneumonia is caused by bacteria. Vaccines can help to prevent bacterial pneumonia Who can get the pneumococcal vaccine?
The older adults (65+) in your family, or people with risk factors like:
- Living with a chronic lung disease (including asthma, if it required medical care this year)
- Living in a long-term care facility
- Living with an illness that makes you immunocompromised
- Experiencing homelessness
A pneumococcal vaccine is also recommended for infants 2 months of age or older as a part of routine immunization.
Why is the pneumococcal vaccine so important?
Prevention of pneumonia through immunization is even more important now since some infections have become more resistant to antibiotics.
Whole-body benefits
The pneumococcal vaccine doesn’t just protect your lungs. Since it targets the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, getting a pneumococcal vaccine will also help protect you against infections like bacteremia (blood infection) and meningitis (infection of the membrane surrounding your brain and spinal cord). ), There are a few pneumonia vaccines on the market. Depending which pneumonia vaccine you get, will determine if you will need another one in the future. Speak to your healthcare provider for further advice. Where can I learn more about Canada’s pneumococcal vaccine recommendations?
You can read the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s full recommendations here, with special sections for adults and children.
Choosing immunization doesn’t just protect you: it also reduces your risk of spreading vaccine-preventable infections to people around you! To learn more about vaccines that protect lung health, visit:
Questions about your breathing?
The Certified Respiratory Educators who staff our Lung Health Line can be reached by phone (1-888-344-LUNG), email (info@lunghealth.ca).