$Unique_ID{BRK01465}
$Pretitle{Respiratory System}
$Title{Is a Pneumonia Vaccination Necessary?}
$Subject{lungs pneumonia vaccination}
$Volume{H-5}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is a Pneumonia Vaccination Necessary?


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QUESTION:  It seems that almost from my adolescence, I have had a pair of weak
lungs.  Most of my adult life I was plagued with chest colds, and developed
severe shortness of breath later on.  I attributed that to my smoking habit,
but when I retired two years ago, I decided to change my life for the better.
I gave up smoking, and moved to Florida, and am doing much better.  However, I
am now under care of a new young doctor, who strongly recommends that I take a
pneumonia vaccine.  What do you think of the idea.  Do you think it is
necessary and does it really work?

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ANSWER:  I think it is a great idea, especially for you.  You are one of the
people this vaccination is most recommended for, over age 65 (I presume?) and
with a history of chronic lung problems.  While it is true that some clinical
trials failed to show dramatic results with the vaccine, it is also true that
the vaccination will provide some degree of protection in older and high risk
patients.  In addition, you only need one injection to gain a lifetime
immunity, there are very few side effects, and the vaccine is inexpensive and
widely available.  Your new and young doctor is using his head in recommending
this to you, as preventing disease is the order of the day.  Better to avoid
the complications of diseases, and the cost, than to have to conquer them once
they have developed.  And as a friend of mine once remarked, in this case "It
certainly can't hurt!"
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
