Flu and Pneumonia Shots

Posted , 17 users are following.

Have any PMR sufferers been recommended by their doctors to get flu shot? Since I am over 65, doctor also insists I get the 5-year pneumonia shot (which I got 4 years ago) and apparently, there'is another lifetime Pneumonia shot being recommended. I hate taking all these shots! However, my doctor says PMR will be greatly affected should I get the flu or, God forbid, pneumonia. Look forward to your resonses.

0 likes, 54 replies

54 Replies

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  • Posted

    Had both shots last year (and I turned 65) and no effects. Get it!
  • Posted

    Hey tpaggs, yes you definitely should get both the flu and pneumococcal vaccines!!!!

    Tinaj ❤️

  • Posted

    Hi, I had both my shots about 5 months ago, and all was ok. I am 68 and also Recommend you get both : But of course that is your decision : Cheers
    • Posted

      Did you get both shots at the same time?
    • Posted

      You can have flu and a pneumococcal shot at the same time although they must be separated by at least 2.5cm/1 inch or, preferably, given in totally different sites.

      There are two forms of the pneumococcal shot - PCV13 and PPV23. The first is normally used for small children, the second for adults. It is now recommended that adults over 65 and younger with immune system problems get both done. They must be given on separate occasions. See my post above.

    • Posted

      I had one pneumococcal shot several years ago which my, then, doctor said was good for 5 years.  However, my current doctor tells me that there is another one-time pneumococcal shot.  Is that the PPV23?  If so, what was the 5-year shot called?
    • Posted

      The older shot for pneumonia was called Pneumovax. It was given to persons under age 60 with pulmonary and other medical problems and or over age 60 to everyone. If given over age 60 then no booster was needed. If under age 60 then another shot in 10 years.

      The Prevnar is a newer vaccine for additional strains of pneumococcal pneumonia not prevented by Pneumovax.

    • Posted

      Thanks!  My doctor, though, told me it was only good for 5 years.
    • Posted

      Hi, sorry so late to answer: No I had them a few weeks apart smile  all went well, I'm 68 and thought it best to have them : 

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