Pneumococcal Pneumonia-Why You Must Be Vaccinated -

Disclaimer-I was compensated by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases through an unrestricted educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc. to write about pneumococcal disease but all opinions are my own.

Pneumococcal Pneumonia

My husband went for his annual physical (which I encourage everyone to do) and our doctor checked him out thoroughly. Our doctor was a pharmacist before he was a medical doctor and he is extremely knowledgeable about what medications are necessary and which ones are not. That’s just one of the many things I love about him.

Anyway, my husband passed his medical exam with flying colors. Doc actually told him he was healthier this year than last! But before he left the office he gave my husband a vaccination for pneumococcal disease, not because he was sick….he wasn’t, but because Doc wants him to stay that way and I do too!

November 12th is World Pneumonia Day I don’t want my husband (or anyone for that matter) to get pneumonia so I’m asking you to join me today and share the importance of the prevention of pneumonia through vaccination with your family and friends. #PreventPneumo. If they have questions about pneumococcal disease you can share this post with them or tell them to click here.

Why I chose the word “MUST”

I thought about which word to choose for the headline. I considered “should” but decided “must” sounded more urgent. Our daughter had pneumonia when she was about 4 years old and one of my granddaughters has had it. Every year about one million Americans get pneumococcal pneumonia. 5% to 7% of those people hospitalized from it will die and the death rate is even higher for age 65 and older.

That’s why I chose the word “MUST.”

Think about the people you love and talk to those who are 65+ about the importance of getting vaccinated. You can even get it at the same time you get your flu shot!

Please friends…this is so very important. Learn more by “Liking” NFID on Facebook and following them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

There are so many good reasons get this vaccine. Don’t delay!