Seniors: Get Your Pneumococcal Vaccine Today!

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Did you know that as you get older your immune system weakens? 

This can increase your risk of illness resulting in hospitalization and diseases like cancer. 

That’s why it’s important to stay up to date on your vaccinations once you hit a certain age. 

For instance, at age of 50 it’s recommended you get a pneumococcal vaccine to protect you against serious infections leading to worse health outcomes and even death.  

To spread the word about the importance of getting the pneumococcal vaccine, Salud America! is partnering with CVEEP. 

CVEEP is a leading vaccine education platform that seeks to improve vaccine accessibility and spread vaccine awareness with helpful resources, including a vaccination site locator tool.  

Let’s go over the vaccine and how it protects seniors.  

Pneumococcal Disease 

Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria and can lead to several infections, including pneumonia and bloodstream infections, according to CVEEP.  

Any exposure to pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia and affect mobility, strength, and cognitive function.  

Every year, pneumonia brought on by the disease results in over 150,000 hospital admissions. 

The disease can also cause other life-threatening conditions such as meningitis, which infects the brain and spinal cord, according to a CVEEP resource. 

Pneumococcal pnemonia affects nearly 1 million US adults each year, according to a CVEEP resource.  

What’s more, one in 20 who develops the disease dies from complications.  

When you reach your 50s, the chances of developing serious respiratory diseases go up significantly.  

So, taking precautions and following recommended vaccination guidelines can help protect your health.  

Pneumococcal Vaccine Guidelines 

It’s recommended that those 50 and older should get the vaccine, which can be given at any time of year and be combined with other vaccinations like the flu shot.  

In addition, those who have adverse health conditions, such as heart, liver, and lung disease, may be at higher risk for pneumococcal disease and are advised to get the vaccine, according to a CVEEP resource. 

Before you get the vaccine, you should discuss which vaccine is right for you with your provider. The type depends on factors like your age, health condition, and vaccination history, according to CVEEP.  

The vaccine is covered by insurance and is available free of cost for most through doctors’ offices, pharmacies, health departments, and community health centers.  

Use the CVEEP Vaccine Locator tool to find a vaccination location near you.  

Pneumococcal Resources  

For more information on pneumococcal disease and the vaccine, check out these CVEEP resources in English and Spanish: 

• Does Insurance Cover Pneumococcal Vaccines for Adults 50+? English and Spanish 

• Pneumococcal Disease Risk in Adults Ages 50+ English and Spanish 

• Pneumococcal Vaccines Explained: Answers for Adults 50+ English and Spanish 

CVEEP Partnership 

Salud America! has been partnering with CVEEP to spread the word about vaccine awareness and the importance of staying up to date on life-saving vaccinations.   

• Stay Updated on Vaccines into the New Year 

• Protect You and Your Familia by Staying Up to Date on COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines 

• Are COVID-19 Vaccines Free for Adults? 

• Are COVID-19 Vaccines Free for Children? 

• How You Can “Come Home Covered” This Holiday Season 

• You’re Covered: How to Get a Free COVID-19 Vaccine! 

• Seniors, Are You Following the New COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations? 

Founded in December 2020, CVEEP is committed to protecting health through vaccine education, reducing poor health outcomes for all populations, including Latinos, and ensuring fair access to vaccines for all! 

CVEEP is led by the Alliance for Aging Research and others. 

To learn more about the organization and how they serve communities visit the CVEEP website. 

Find a vaccination site closest to you by visiting the CDC website in English or Spanish.