Pneumococcal bacteria can be picked up from people who cough or sneeze around you. Even if you get good medical care, pneumonia can still be very dangerous to your health. The condition is hard to treat because the bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics. There are about 3 000 pneumococcal-related deaths every winter.
Anyone can get pneumococcal disease
The following people are at greater risk of getting pneumococcal disease:
Vaccination is the best way to prevent pneumococcal infection
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccine - pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) or Prevenar 13® and pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV) or Pneumovax®23.
Influenza is a serious condition that can lead to hospitalisation and, in some extreme cases, may lead to death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against the common infection for the flu season. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the current season.
It is important to get your flu vaccine annually and pneumococcal vaccination for members with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease individuals every 5 years - it's the best way to protect you and your children!
GEMS provides cover for both the flu and pneumococcal vaccinations on all plans, subject to managed care and Scheme rules.
See your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Sources: www.cdc.gov; http://www.gov.co.za/
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