|
 |
 |
 | Pneumococcal Disease
By Michael Spilane, MD
The pneumococcus is an ornery little critter that prefers to prey on the elderly and on those with poor health. First discovered by Pasteur in 1881, this virulent bacterium continues to maim and kill its victims and to challenge medical science. The most common illness produced by the pneumococcus is pneumonia, but it can also cause blood infection, meningitis, sinusitis, and inner ear infection. Pneumonia is the most common serious illness, and leads to death in about five percent of those afflicted. The mortality is much higher for the very old and for those with heart or lung disease, diabetes or an impaired immune system.
Penicillin has been highly effective in treating pneumonia and other infections caused by the pneumococcus germ. But no more. The organism has gotten smarter over the years, and many strains have now developed resistance to penicillin and other antibiotics. This makes prevention of the infections critical.
A vaccine that is effective against the pneumococcus has been available for the past twenty-five years. The vaccine in present use protects against 23 different strains of the pneumococcus organism, and effectively prevents an infection or blunts the severity of an infection that does develop. Despite the availability of a vaccine, studies indicate that many of those who could benefit remain unvaccinated. The federal government and numerous medical societies are now strongly committed to increasing physician and patient awareness of the vaccines importance. Pneumococcal vaccine is strongly recommended for all persons age 65 and over. It is also recommended for those of any age with a chronic disease or with an ailment that decreases ability to fight infection. Since the developed immunity lasts for decades, one vaccination lasts a lifetime for most older adults. Authorities do recommend repeat vaccination for high-risk patients if more than 10 years has passed since the initial vaccination.
Physicians commonly encounter difficulty in determining if a patient has received a pneumococcal vaccination. Multiple doctors and multiple care settings are the rule rather the exception in our society, and medical records tend to be widely dispersed. A physician often has to rely on the memory of the patient, and too often this memory fails. Although an unnecessary subsequent vaccination appears to do no harm, it can be avoided if the patient keeps a personal record of the vaccination and its date.
Here is the 1-2-3 about pneumococcal vaccination:
- Make sure you get it
- Remember that you got it
- It is very safe
- Medicare covers it
- It can be given at any time of the year
- One shot lasts a lifetime for most
- It can be given at the same time as a flu shot
 Back to top
| |
