1. Because
you NEED it!
In a recent survey of Medicare beneficiaries, the reason given most often for not
receiving influenza and pneumococcal vaccines was that the beneficiary did not realize
that they needed the vaccine. The Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices and the American Academy of Family Physicians both
recommend an annual influenza immunization for all adults age 50 and over.
A single dose of
pneumococcal vaccine is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
for adults 65 and over. This is not given
every year, like the influenza vaccine, but just as a one time dose.
For more information about which immunizations you
need, go to: Which
immunizations do I need?.
2. To protect YOURSELF from vaccine preventable
diseases!
Pneumococcal pneumonia and complications from influenza together represent the sixth
leading cause of death for older adults. Over
60,000 older adults die each year from these diseases.
Do you wear a seat belt when you ride in a car?
Your chance of death from influenza and pneumonia is greater than your risk of
death from an automobile accident. Administration
of vaccines can greatly reduce this risk.
3. To
protect your FRIENDS from vaccine preventable diseases!
If you get influenza or pneumonia, those who come in contact with you are at risk of
catching it from you. Even if you are not
worried about your own health, getting the vaccines can help protect those who are close
to you, and reduce the chance of spreading these diseases.
4. Because it is FREE!
It has been said that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Maybe not, but there is such a thing as free
immunizations. Medicare pays 100% of the cost
of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for Medicare beneficiaries. For people not covered by Medicare, state health
departments often offer free vaccines. Take
advantage of this free benefit to protect your health.
5. Because it is SAFE!
Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are safe. You
cannot get the flu from taking the influenza vaccine.
Influenza vaccine may cause temporary soreness, redness or swelling at the
injection site. Some people get mild fever or
aches that can last up to 1 or 2 days.
For more information about the safety of influenza
vaccine, download the Influenza Vaccine Information
Statement, prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pneumococcal vaccine can also cause mild redness
or pain where the shot is given. Less than 1%
of those who get the shot develop a fever, muscle aches, or more severe local reactions. For more information about the safety of
pneumococcal vaccine, download the Pneumococcal Vaccine
Information Statement, prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
