Pneumonia: There's an easy way to protect yourselfA sneeze or a cough. That's all it takes to spread pneumonia. But there's an easy way to protect yourself : the one-time pneumonia shot. It's recommended for everyone over age 65 and is available from your local health care provider. How do I know if it's pneumonia? How often should I get a pneumonia shot? Who should get a pneumonia shot? What is pneumonia?Pneumonia is a serious infection or inflammation of the lungs. There are many types of pneumonia, and more than 30 different ways to get it. You don't always catch it from another person. How do I know if it's pneumonia?You might not. Older adults do not always have symptoms such as a fever or cough. You might just feel tired, or you might not notice anything at all. In severe cases:
How often should I get a pneumonia shot?One shot protects most people for a lifetime. A booster may be recommended for those at higher risk. If you've already had a pneumonia shot, or if you can't remember, talk to your doctor. Unlike the flu shot, the pneumonia shot is available all year. Who should get a pneumonia shot?Experts recommend the one-time pneumonia shot for everyone over 65. Some younger people should get the shot if they have a chronic health condition. Medicare, Medicaid and most other health plans cover the pneumonia shot, which you can get from your local health care provider.
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