Don’t Forget the “Other Shot” This Flu Season
Flu season begins in a few short weeks and healthcare providers throughout Ohio will urge their patients to get a flu shot. Healthcare providers will also want to administer to certain patients the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV). Bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae cause pneumococcal disease. When the bacteria invade the lungs, they can cause pneumonia. If the bacteria invade the blood they can cause a condition known as bacteremia; if they invade the tissues and fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord it could lead to meningitis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following should get a PPV unless contraindicated:
- People who are 65 years of age or older
- Anyone over 2 years of age who has a long-term health problem such as heart, lung, or sickle cell disease; diabetes; alcoholism; cirrhosis; or leaks of cerebrospinal fluid
- Anyone over 2 years of age with a weakened immune system due to illness, immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplantation, or spleen removal
- People 2-64 years of age who are living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
- People 2-64 years of age who are Alaska Natives or belong to certain American Indian populations
To read more, download the full newsletter: |
(  PDF Version | |
 Rich Text ) |
PREVIOUS EDITIONS
Summer 2007 Edition - Transparency Drives Change
Spring 2007 Edition - Break Through Cultural Barriers
Fall 2006 Edition - Lost in Transition
Spring 2006 Edition - Stop Spreading the Flu