A Message from Susan Rowley RN, MS, CPNP, Health Services and Medicaid Coordinator for BVSD:

There is a new CDC recommendation for high risk persons to get pneumococcal vaccine to prevent the secondary infection that may be a complication from influenza. It is recommended for persons 2-64 years IN ADDITION to those 65 and older with high risk conditions to get the pneumococcal vaccine. For those 19-64 those high risk conditions are asthma or smoking cigarettes. For those 2-64 it is those with chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, chronic liver disease, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, cochlear implants, asplenia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma, malignancy, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, those on immunosuppressive therapy and those who have received an organ or bone marrow transplant as well as those who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7) is part of routine vaccinations for those younger than 5 years and that age should follow the existing recommendations. We encourage persons in the new category to discuss whether or not to get the vaccine with their health care provider, but this may be an important step in preventing complications for those at higher risk for complications.

(posted Dec. 1, 2009)