While you are in the hospital, you will be offered the Pneumococcal Vaccine (PPV).

Why get the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

Pneumococcus is a bacterium that affects children and adults. It is the most common cause of pneumonia. It can also get in the bloodstream. About one in 20 people with pneumococcal pneumonia and one in 5 with bloodstream infection die from the disease. Pneumococcal vaccine lowers the chance of bloodstream infection and death.

Who should get Pneumococcal Vaccine (PPV)?

• All adults 65 years of age and older
• Anyone over 2 years of age who has a long-term health problem such as:
  • Heart disease
  • Sickle Cell disease
  • Alcoholism
  • Lung disease
  • Diabetes
  • HIV infection or AIDS
  • Damaged Spleen or No Spleen
  • Leaks of cerebrospinal fluid
  • Hodgkin’s Disease, Leukemia, Lymphoma or Myeloma